SEPTA Mask Policy Under Review After Cops Drag Rider Off Bus

PHILADELPHIA, PA — SEPTA's mask policy is currently "under review," officials said on Friday, after more than a million people watched a video of police forcibly dragging a rider off of a bus for not wearing a mask.

On Friday, SEPTA's website briefly stated that the masks were required. It now reads that they are "urged." It remains unclear what enforcement, if any, police will use on the policy into the future.

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The video, shared Friday afternoon by the Philly Transit Riders Union, showed several Philadelphia police officers dragging a rider out of the middle of a bus for not wearing a mask.

SEPTA's website currently reads:

"New guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advise wearing a simple cloth face covering, when out in public, to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Following this guidance, we URGE all customers to wear a mask or other facial covering when traveling on SEPTA to protect customers and Operators. Surgical masks are being distributed to frontline Operations personnel as part of this effort. Please comply with this request for your protection and the protection of others."

Gov. Wolf called on all residents last week to wear at mask if they must leave their home. Health officials say its particularly important to wear a mask indoors, wear the virus can be transmitted more easily and people are more often pressed more closely together.

The Philly Transit Riders Union is urging police and SEPTA to hand out masks to riders.

SEPTA continues to run some of its bus and train lines on limited services, and they are utilized daily by essential personnel like healthcare and food service workers. Many of SEPTA's lines have been suspended until further notice.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

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