WRTA riders will be required to wear masks

YOUNGSTOWN — The Western Reserve Transit Authority announced Thursday riders will be required to wear masks beginning Monday.

Riders who don't have one won't be allowed to ride the authority's scheduled countywide buses, which is the only ride service currently being offered, Executive Director Dean Harris said Thursday.

Harris said he feels Gov. Mike DeWine has been delivering "mixed messages" on the necessity of face coverings worn by the general public ahead of a planned re-opening of the state's economy. The authority "felt it prudent" to make its own requirement, he said.

"We've been requesting it of our passengers but moved it to a requirement. ... It's really more to protect our drivers, to keep them safe and healthy," he said.

The authority's drivers are already required to wear masks, Harris said.

Riders will also be required to wear masks when WRTA's regular fixed-route service returns in mid-May. Harris said the authority expects to make an announcement on that service in the next week or so.

"Then, slowly, we'll be able to bring everything back to full service as the governor continues to open up more and more businesses," he said.

More information is on the authority's website. To schedule a countywide route, call 330-744-8431.

This story was originally published April 30, 2020 at 1:14 PM with the headline "WRTA riders will be required to wear masks."