Effective Immediately: TSA Lifts Mask Mandate, Masks Now Optional on MTD

Effective immediately, for employees and customers, the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (MTD) is making masks optional on our fixed-route, ADA paratransit, C-CARTS, and at all MTD facilities including Illinois Terminal.

On Monday, April 18, 2022, the federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) lifted its security directive mandating masks on public transportation conveyances and hubs. The Center for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to recommend that masks be worn in indoor public transportation settings.

“Our mask mandate has been based on federal guidance,” said Chief of Staff, Amy Snyder. “We will continue to monitor this situation as it unfolds, alongside state and local actions. But for now, masks will be optional on MTD vehicles and at our facilities until further notice.”  

MTD encourages all riders to travel responsibly to protect their health and the health of those around them. Ridership on MTD and C-CARTS has steadily increased over the last several months as customers return to work and school environments and enjoy leisure activities throughout our community. MTD encourages all customers to be mindful of the following to maximize their experience:  

Do not use transit if you are ill and keep these practices in mind when you ride: 

  • Spread out when possible on buses and vans, as well as at platforms and stops.
  • If you can, leave through the back door to reduce crowding at the front of the bus.
  • Go touch-free with MTD’s digital passes through Token Transit. Get rewarded for riding with free pass upgrades.
  • As we ask customers to avoid transit when they are ill, we also ask all employees to be vigilant about their health and the health of those around them. MTD offers on-site Shield Testing for our employees and their household members.
  • MTD is also part of the American Public Transportation Association’s Health & Safety Commitment, pledging to work together to follow industry best practices for a safer ride. 

We ask that our customers and community remain engaged as the federal government continues to review the mask mandate alongside CDC recommendations and current COVID case numbers.