No more mask requirement for MCTS buses (UPDATE: Oops, masks are required again)

UPDATE: Never mind. Masks are required again. MCTS released this statement at 5 p.m. on Tuesday:

The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) will continue to require riders to wear masks on County buses. The decision comes out of an abundance of caution as COVID-19 cases have increased locally over the past three weeks. We will continue to monitor the data and follow the scientific guidance to determine when the mask mandate for MCTS buses will be lifted in the future.

“After careful consideration MCTS will continue to require masks on County buses at this time,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley in a press release. “Some of the most vulnerable, high-risk residents rely on our buses to travel throughout the County each day. We are still in the midst of pandemic, and it is incumbent upon local leaders to do our part to keep residents safe and stop the spread of the disease. This decision helps keep both residents and our drivers safe.”

The press release concludes: “Milwaukee County and MCTS will continue to monitor the data and follow the scientific guidance to determine when the mask mandate for MCTS buses will be lifted in the future.”

Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) announced Tuesday that masks will no longer be required to ride its buses.

“Starting today, April 19, masks are no longer required on Milwaukee County Transit buses,” MCTS said in a statement.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Starting today, April 19, MCTS no longer requires masks on buses. pic.twitter.com/gYpTtTTOHS

— RideMCTS (@RideMCTS) April 19, 2022

The news follows the sudden end of mask requirements on airplanes and other public transportation. That sudden end was brought on by a federal judge in Florida who, on Monday, decided we’re officially done with this now.

MCTS had previously said it would follow CDC guidelines and enforce a mask mandate until May 3. Also, they’re apparently rolling out a new app to replace their perfectly wonderful existing app? Oh geez.

Anyway, you can still wear a mask on the bus if you want to. So do that. Or don’t. Just ride the bus!