Need a Mask, Take a Mask

Jun 22, 2020

Have your riding habits on transit changed since COVID-19?

What would make you feel more comfortable on transit?

What if everyone was wearing a mask or face covering, would you ride?

For many people, this is a tipping point to feeling comfortable on the bus, the train, or even just waiting at a bus stop or train station. The CDC and the Ohio Health Department recommend wearing a mask or face covering to protect yourself and others while in public spaces.  By doing so, it can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other airborne illnesses, this is why Greater Cleveland RTA recommends riders wear a mask or face covering while waiting for and riding the bus or train.  So, why are some not wearing masks or face coverings?  We don’t really know the answer, however, we want to help get masks to those who may not have them. 

Over the next few months, our staff will be hosting Need a Mask, Take a Mask events throughout Cuyahoga County.  At these events, staff will be distributing cloth masks that riders can wash and reuse.  Due to the limited quantities, masks will be distributed:

• on a first-come, first-served basis
• one mask per person
• while supplies last
• riders must be present to receive a mask

The cloth masks Greater Cleveland RTA will be distributing were provided to us from the Department of Transportation (DOT) and FEMA.  They have been working to outfit essential workers across the United States by donating 15.5 million cloth masks.  Of that 15.5 million, 4.8 were allocated to public transit agencies.  We thank DOT and FEMA for supplying us with masks to not only protect our employees but our riders as well.  

Distributions for the coming week are posted on our Coronavirus - Ride Safely page