1 Million Mask Salute: OCTA Helps Curb COVID-19 With Free Masks

ORANGE COUNTY, CA — In the past year, Orange County Transit Authority has followed strict mask-wearing and sanitization rules. The message is simple: No Mask, No Ride. To date, the OCTA has distributed over 1 million face coverings for riders to help curb the spread of coronavirus during the global health crisis.

The OCTA mask mandate began at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic when residents had a hard time finding masks to wear. Giving out personal protective equipment—in this case, free face masks to all riders—seemed a logical conclusion. OCTA was ahead of the curve for public transportation and had implemented their mandatory masks for riders program well before federal regulations on mask-wearing were passed in January.

Orange County Transit Authority Chairman Andrew Do, also the Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, lauded the commitment to safety. Distribution of the masks was afforded through a reimbursement and coronavirus aid from the CARES Act.

Other ways OCTA has made riders feel safe by continuing the mandatory masks for riders program even with lessening coronavirus cases in the county.

It is not clear how the OCTA will address the new CDC guidelines for vaccinated residents, but for now—vaccinated or not, if you ride the bus, you'll need to wear your mask.

"Since the start of the pandemic, we have provided 1 million masks – and counting – to our bus riders," Do said in a recent news release. "There's no question that the masks, along with other safety measures, have helped protect our passengers and coach operators. Masks save lives."