ST. LOUIS — State and local mask mandates have become a thing of the past, but a federal mask mandate is still in effect for folks on public transportation across the country.
"You have to have a mask on," MetroBus rider Ronald Taylor said.
"The rule is everybody has to wear masks," MetroBus rider Mitch Henry-Eagles said.
Metro bus riders said the drivers are the ones who enforce the rule.
"Some will — I've seen (them) stop the bus to make sure (passengers) have a mask on," Henry Eagles said.
"That's something I want to see more in St. Louis. People wearing masks," MetroBus rider Derico Chatman said.
The Transportation Security Administration's mask mandate extension is set to end April 18. TSA officials haven't announced whether the mandate will be allowed to expire or if it will be extended.
"When everybody takes (their masks) off, I take (mine) off," MetroBus rider Zemir Harbas said.
Metro Transit sent a statement saying people must continue to wear a mask when at any Metro Transit Centers or facilities and while on MetroLink, MetroBus and Metro Call-A-Ride vehicles until the federal mandate ends.
"You know (COVID) numbers are going down, but you still got numbers that are going up," Chatman said.
"I think a lot of people who are particularly vulnerable do rely on public transportation, so I'm going to keep masking. I hope that other people do," Henry-Eagles said.
"I think people should wear them. I think people who don't wear them— they're the ones who are going to be sick," Taylor said.
The Transportation Security Administration is working with the Centers For Disease Control for a revised policy based on COVID-19 community levels, risk of new variants and the latest science.