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Mask requirement ended 10/2/22; Masks now strongly recommended

As of October 2, 2022, masks are strongly recommended. Wearing a well fitted masks over your mouth and nose is encouraged. Masks are no longer mandatory.


The BART Board of Directors at its meeting on Thursday night approved a new resolution on masks that is triggered by whether public health officials are requiring indoor masking in their jurisdictions. Because no such requirement now exists BART’s current mask requirement is set to end when it expires after October 1. The first day masks will not be required will be October 2.

The resolution approved by the BART Board authorizes the General Manager to amend the Customer Code of Conduct to impose a mandate within the paid areas of the BART system that would require riders and employees to wear a face mask over their nose and mouth if any of the following conditions are met:

  • A local health officer reinstates indoor masking in any of the five counties served by BART (Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara)
  • The California Department of Public Health reinstates an indoor masking requirement.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or Transportation Security Administration imposes a masking mandate.
  • Any U.S. metropolitan area outside the Bay Area experiences a COVID-19 surge as defined by the CDC. A surge is defined as any spike in case reports that may overwhelm the local points of care.

BART’s current mask requirement that continues through October 1 was approved by the BART Board at its July 28 meeting. Once the mandate expires, BART will strongly encourage riders to wear masks in the system.

Free masks will continue to be available at Station Agent booths and from BART PD personnel.