Octa's transportation blog

Mask Requirement Extended for OC Bus: No Mask, No Ride

In compliance with a recently extended federal mandate, OC Bus passengers are required to wear face coverings at least through March 18, 2022. This reinforces the ongoing effort to curb the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and emerging variants. 

OCTA continues to prioritize public health and safety during the pandemic and, since spring 2020, has been distributing masks to passengers who need one as they board OC Bus. So far, more than 3.5 million masks have been distributed countywide.   

“Our top priority at OCTA is the safety of our passengers and our employees,” said OCTA Chairman Andrew Do. “Per the new federal mandate, riders will be required to continue wearing a face mask to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 aboard OC Buses.”

 For more than a year, OCTA has required passengers and coach operators to wear masks onboard, in line with guidance from health officials and following industry best practices. In January 2021, federal regulations went into effect mandating masks on all public transit. Electronic signs on the front of each OC Bus read: “No Mask – No Ride.”  

That directive from the Transportation Security Administration for all transportation networks, including public transportation has now been extended through March 18, 2022. The directive also applies to OCTA’s other transportation modes including OC Flex, OC ACCESS and Metrolink.