Masks still required on MCTS buses; no longer required at Mitchell International, Amtrak

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) - Local transportation companies in the Milwaukee area are reacting after the federal transportation mask mandate was dropped.

The Milwaukee County Transit System initially announced that their mandate had been lifted as of Tuesday, April 19, however at 5 p.m. they shared an update that masks will still be required on board their buses. 

They say the decision comes "out of an abundance of caution as Covid-19 cases have increased locally over the past three weeks."

“After careful consideration MCTS will continue to require masks on County buses at this time," Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley said in a statement. "Some of the most vulnerable, high-risk residents rely on our buses to travel throughout the County each day. We are still in the midst of pandemic, and it is incumbent upon local leaders to do our part to keep residents safe and stop the spread of the disease. This decision helps keep both residents and our drivers safe.”

If you need to get to Madison, masks are not required on Badger buses. You can also go mask-less when riding Amtrak, Uber and Lyft, or getting on a plane at Mitchell International.

However, if you ride The Hop in downtown Milwaukee, a mask is still required. Signs on the front of the street cars are still reminding passengers to wear one. A spokesperson said they are still working on making a decision in the coming days.