Pittsburgh Port Authority, TSA, several airlines no longer requiring masks on rides

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Port Authority, the TSA and several airlines announced that they’re no longer requiring riders to wear masks.

This comes after a federal judge in Florida voided the national mask mandate covering airplanes and other public transportation as exceeding the authority of U.S. health officials.

Earlier on Monday, Pittsburgh Port Authority said they were “monitoring the developments, including the possibility of an appeal. As of today, we have no plans to modify or rescind our mask policy, but we are prepared to pivot should our current directive from the Transportation Security Administration change.”

Port Authority said the change goes into effect immediately, but riders are still welcome to wear their masks if they choose to.

“Because people are having such a problem with the masks -- there are so many people for and against it -- I guess it’s better to let people make up their own minds about their own lives,” said Port Authority passenger Willie Shelton.

On Tuesday, some riders went maskless, but most chose to remain cautious.

“I’m still wearing it because I don’t feel safe. I’m still wearing it until I feel safe,” said Port Authority passenger Leonard Amoah.

Other riders are making masking decisions on a case-by-case basis.

“If the bus is crowded, I’m going to wear my mask,” said Shelton. “If it’s not crowded, I’m not going to worry about it.”

Some Port Authority drivers were seen not wearing masks Tuesday, but others chose to wear them.

The TSA put out the following statement about the rescinding of the mask mandate:

“Due to today’s court ruling, effective immediately, TSA will no longer enforce its Security Directives and Emergency Amendment requiring mask use on public transportation and transportation hubs. TSA will also rescind the new Security Directives that were scheduled to take effect tomorrow. CDC continues to recommend that people wear masks in indoor public transportation settings at this time.”

Pittsburgh International Airport put out its own statement saying that masking is no longer required in the terminal for passengers or staff:

“TSA will no longer be enforcing the mask mandate at PIT, per their release,” said Travis McNichols, Senior Vice President, Public Safety, Operations & Maintenance at PIT. “As always, we follow TSA regulations and will continue to communicate with federal officials should any change occur.”

Several airlines such as Southwest and American Airlines have also put out statements regarding their own mask requirements or lack thereof.

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