Coronavirus: Amtrak will remove or ban passengers who don’t wear masks

Amtrak has updated its policy Thursday to include new face covering rules for travel on trains and buses that operate across the nation.

In a story first published by The Points Guy, the company has adjusted its policy to require both customers and employees to wear face coverings at all times except when in a private room.

All customers and employees must wear a face covering or mask while on trains or thruway buses. Face masks can be removed when customers are in their private rooms. Amtrak reserves the right to remove customers or ban them from future travel in the event of noncompliance with Amtrak’s face covering policy.

—  Onboard - amtrak.com/coronavirus

The company is also limiting bookings for some trains to allow for physical distancing.

We are limiting bookings on reserved trains to allow for more physical distancing in seating areas. Individuals traveling alone may use the seat next to them for personal belongings, while friends and family members will easily find seats together.

—  Onboard - amtrak.com/coronavirus

Amtrak’s new rules closely match most airline policies currently in place.

Ridership has fallen significantly for Amtrak during the coronavirus pandemic.

Amtrak said in June that it will cut service later this year on most of its long-distance routes nationwide to three times a week instead of the current daily service because ridership has fallen significantly during the coronavirus pandemic.

Spokeswoman Kimberly Woods said that the cuts will take effect Oct. 1 and remain in place until at least the summer of 2021, but daily service could be restored if demand improves along its long-distance routes.

The train routes being cut to three days week include the California Zephyr, Capitol Limited, City of New Orleans, Coast Starlight, Crescent, Empire Builder, Lake Shore Limited, Palmetto, Southwest Chief, and Texas Eagle. The Sunset Limited and Cardinal trains already operate three times a week.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

Cox Media Group