Metro discontinues mask mandate on buses and transit hubs in Summit County

Passengers will no longer be required to wear masks while riding on Metro buses in and around Summit County following a federal court ruling.

The transit agency announced Tuesday that effective immediately it is no longer requiring masks on its buses or at its bus stops or hubs.

"We encourage anyone who is not fully vaccinated, feeling ill, or who is immunocompromised to use caution and consider facial coverings for their personal safety," Metro said in its announcement.

The federal government said Monday passengers traveling on airplanes and other forms of public transportation won't be required to wear a face mask for now, after a federal judge in Florida voided the mandate, USA TODAY reported.

The decision Monday by U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle in Tampa says the federal mask mandate exceeded the authority of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which failed to justify the order and didn't follow proper rulemaking procedures.

The policy changes comes amid the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continued recommendation that masks be worn in indoor public transportation settings.

Metro says it will continue to work closely with Summit County health offices to determine whether the mask policy needs to be revisited.

Those who still want to wear masks are free to do so and masks are available for free at the Transit Center Security Office.

"We are thankful to our team members and transit-loyal riders who helped reduce the spread of COVID-19 as they continued to make a difference in our community as essential workers taking essential trips using METRO," the agency said in a statement.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Metro discontinues mask mandate on buses in Summit County