Florida Judge Strikes Down Federal Mask Requirement for Trains

The U.S. Justice Department (DOJ) announced on April 20th that it will appeal a Florida judge’s ruling that ended a federal rule requiring masks for train and air travel earlier this week.

The DOJ pointed to a determination made by the U.S. Center for Disease Control as justification for its challenge.

“It is CDC’s continuing assessment that at this time an order requiring masking in the indoor transportation corridor remains necessary for the public health,” stated the CDC. “CDC believes this is a lawful order, well within CDC’s legal authority to protect public health.”

Amtrak announced that it was dropping its mask mandate in response to the Florida judge’s ruling, while still encouraging passengers with health risks to take whatever precautions are necessary: “While Amtrak passengers and employees are no longer required to wear masks while on board trains or in stations, masks are welcome and remain an important preventive measure against COVID-19. Anyone needing or choosing to wear one is encouraged to do so.”

However, many local governments are still requiring masks in train stations, airports, and on transit. That includes major population centers like the State of New York and Los Angeles County.

Rail Passengers staff has received many comments from immunocompromised passengers who are worried they won’t be able to ride the train without widespread mask adoption, as well as passengers who are relieved that they can finally enjoy being on the train without a mask. One possible compromise that was offered by members of our Council of Representatives: a “masked car” for immunocompromised passengers, analogous to the Northeast Corridor’s “quiet car.”

“We will continue to work with the Biden Administration through our role on a federal advisory panel tasked with adapting transportation networks to the evolving pandemic, and the road to a post-Covid travel industry,” stated Jim Mathews, President & CEO. “We are closely watching the DOJ’s case for new developments and are in contact with Amtrak to ensure that the needs of all passengers are taken into consideration.”