June 18, 2020
Press release from the City of Phoenix:
June 17, 2020
Beginning Wednesday, July 1, passengers are required to wear face coverings while riding transit in Phoenix to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The use of face coverings is also strongly encouraged while waiting at bus stops or other transit areas where social distancing may not be possible. We will also be providing updates regarding a regional discussion requiring face coverings on transit scheduled for the Valley Metro Joint Board meeting on Thursday, June 18.
Beginning June 22 and as supplies allow, Phoenix Public Transit will provide face coverings for riders at the following transit centers: Central Station on Central Avenue and Van Buren Street, Ed Pastor on Central Avenue and Broadway Road, Metrocenter at the Metrocenter Mall, and Sunnyslope on 3rd Street and Dunlap Avenue. Face coverings will not be distributed on public transit vehicles, although distribution may occur in the coming weeks at additional city facilities as supplies allow. Further information on Phoenix social media channels and website will provide details on when and where additional mask distribution will take place.
Riders are urged to plan ahead and bring their own face covering, which may include masks, face shields, homemade cloth coverings or other cloth positioned to cover the mouth and nose. Detailed information on the use of face coverings, including how to make your own at home, can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)website.
For health and safety reasons, there are exemptions to the face covering requirement:
• Children ages 2 years and younger. Children in this age group should not wear masks/face coverings.
• Anyone with a disability that makes it difficult for them to wear or remove a face covering.
• Anyone who has been advised by a medical professional to not wear a face covering because of personal health issues.
• Anyone who has trouble breathing or is unable to remove the face covering without help.
In many cases, it is not apparent who is exempted, so we encourage riders not to get involved with other passengers who are not wearing a face covering. Public transit personnel will be instructed not to prevent riders who do not have a face covering from boarding or riding. Additionally, law enforcement will not be involved in enforcing the wearing of face coverings on public transit.
For the latest service information and COVID-19 public transit preventative measures, visit valleymetro.org and follow @PhoenixMetroBus @valleymetro on Twitter.
About the Phoenix Public Transit Department:
The Phoenix Public Transit Department provides Phoenix residents a variety of transit options and is the largest member of the Valley Metro regional transit system. Services range from local and commuter buses to alternative transportation for senior citizens and special needs. The city of Phoenix funds transit, and other transportation improvements, through Transportation 2050 (T2050) - a local sales tax approved by Phoenix voters in 2015 - as well as county and federal funds. T2050 allows for enhanced bus service, transit-related technology improvements and fare media upgrades under the leadership of the Citizens Transportation Commission. Visit us at phoenix.gov/publictransit or follow us on Twitter for the latest news.