News

Federal government orders require employees, public to continue to wear masks while traveling on SARTA vehicles

June 1, 2021

Kirt Conrad, CEO of the Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA), today reminded the public that masks must be worn while riding on the transit system’s vehicles even though the state of Ohio’s mask mandate expires on Wednesday, June 2, 2021.“The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the Transportation Security Agency (TSA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have extended their orders requiring people to wear masks in transportation settings, including at airports, on commercial aircraft, and on buses and trains until September 13,” Mr. Conrad said. “SARTA is required by law to comply with those orders, and we will continue to observe the mask protocols that have enabled us to provide more than 1.5 million safe rides during the pandemic.”

“Our riders have been incredibly responsible and cooperative from Day One and everyone at SARTA—and particularly our drivers—appreciates all they have done to protect themselves and our employees,” Mr. Conrad said. “We have come a long way together, now we just need to support each other for a few more weeks to reach the end of what has been a very difficult journey.”

Mr. Conrad issued the reminder because people may believe the end of the state’s mask mandate applies to SARTA. “It is important for people to understand that the rules we operate under are established by the federal government,” he said. “As of today, the mask requirement will remain in effect until mid-September. If the feds decide to rescind it earlier, we will immediately notify the public.”

For more information about SARTA’s COVID-19 safety procedures please visit https://www.sartaonline.com/preventative-covid-19-information.