US Department of Transportation rejected mask mandate on public transportation

[left-of-center2012]

Source: The Hill

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) rejected a petition from a labor union on Friday that would issue a department-wide mandate requiring all passengers on DOT-approved transportation to wear masks, underscoring the lack of universal health protocols deployed during the COVID-19 pandemic by the federal government.

In a letter dated Oct. 2, a petition created by Larry Willis, the president of Transportation Trades Department, a union within the AFL-CIO organization, was rejected for implementation as a rule on Department of Transportation-regulated commercial vehicles. The petition reportedly urged the DOT to “promulgate a regulation mandating that passengers traveling with DOT-regulated commercial transportation providers wear masks or face coverings,” primarily out of concern for the health and safety of industry workers who conduct their jobs in frequently traveled public spaces with circulated air, putting them at an increased risk for contracting a COVID-19 infection.

The DOT opted to reject the petition, saying that it has already taken steps to educate both passengers and employees in concordance with guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “The Department shares the concerns expressed in the petition about the health and welfare of frontline transportation workers, whose services are invaluable and have helped keep America moving during the COVID-19 public health emergency,” the letter read.

“It is unfathomable that in the midst of a global pandemic which has killed more than 209,000 Americans, and left millions more sick and potentially facing lifelong side effects — including the president of the United States — that the U.S. Department of Transportation would outright reject such a simple, science-backed, lifesaving measure,” Willis said.

Read more: https://thehill.com/changing-america/respect/equality/519680-us-department-of-transportation-rejected-mask-mandate-on

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While the failed petition is another example of the lack of central regulation and inconsistent messaging that has characterized the U.S.’s approach to the coronavirus, the DOT says it “embraces the notion that there should be no more regulations than necessary”.

[Thekaspervote]

1. Craziness..driven by the ass king!! Oh I hate him

[nature-lover]

2. To their way of thinking, if you don't have a regulation you don't have any liability.

It's all the victim's fault.

[catrose]

3. Except the regulation is necessary because people are idiots.

Ask the retail greeters.

[volstork]

4. This is jacked up.

[James48]

5. Among the members of that Union

Organization is a Union of FAA Aviarion Safety Inspectors- the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, or PASS. PASS members are directly employed by the FAA- and the Department of Transportation.

To clarify- these ARE the employees, under the Department of Transportation, begging their Managers/executives to force a mask mandate- through the only venue that it is legal for them to bring attention to it- their Union, through the AFL-CIO Transportation Trades higher Organization .

[ihas2stinkyfeet]

6. ya know, transportation strikes dont usually end well.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_Citizen_Army

i fly their flag.

[CaptYossarian]

7. Of course they did.

They can't mandate us to go mask-free, to shop 'til we drop, to buy big ticket items (who needs a new car when you're staying home?) or anything we don't want to do. No haircuts either. I'm already at Grizzly Adams stage and don't give a rat's ass.

I'm locked in until there's a vaccine. That will come after the ugly ass is out of office, along with his f**king family and his f**king
killer cronies.

Their piss poor judgment will wreck the economy. That's allegedly his strong suit, even though "we the people" haven't seen any prosperity.

[apnu]

8. No biggie, we'll drive around in our own armored SUVs, just like Cheeto Jesus. (nt)

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

12. Yes, but then I have to buy protective suits for my chauffeur, bodyguard, and bagman.

I saw some surplus ones from an old Ebola outbreak. In the eBay photo, they look genuine.

[progree]

9. Face coverings are required on Twin Cities Metro Transit, but not enforced

Last edited Mon Oct 5, 2020, 05:02 PM - Edit history (1)

When people complain on the Metro Transit Facebook page about people not wearing masks, Metro Transit responds, like this for example:

https://www.facebook.com/MetroTransitMN/posts/2969442909834251

Hi Randolph. I understand your frustration. Metro Transit's mask requirement makes exceptions for people with certain medical conditions. It is not possible to tell who qualifies for an exemption from the rule just by looking at them.

In accordance with the MN Dept. of Public Safety Law Enforcement Guidance, our number one method of enforcement is education, followed by providing masks when we are able. Our bus drivers are not expected to be compliance officers. If you'd like to speak with someone in our Customer Relations department to voice your concerns and/or discuss this process, please feel free to call 612-373-3333, or by filling out our comment form at metrotransit.org/comment. ~BG

emphasis added by Progree

=######################################=

And this from the Star Tribune -
https://www.startribune.com/metro-transit-to-require-face-coverings-on-buses-trains/570513542/

Metro Transit said it will “enforce” the edict by displaying the requirement on its website, on board vehicles and at stations and bus stops.

Compliance remains voluntary. No one will be fined or denied service if they fail to wear a mask, said Metro Transit Spokesman Howie Padilla.

[DanieRains]

10. Guess I'm Gonna Have To Stand My Ground On The Bus

If someone threatens me by breathing in my face without a mask.

That's how that works right?

[IronLionZion]

11. Mostly those urban liberals who ride and work in public transit

so it wouldn't affect rural conservatives who boast openly that anyone who wears a mask in a vehicle doesn't need a Biden sticker, they already know. Buses and trains are just big vehicles.

I've definitely caught colds riding on bus/train/airports before so it is quite dangerous for the workers who would deal with people all day.

[kimbutgar]

13. Because people of lesser means ride buses and they are considered bottom feeders from those they

Don’t care about if they die from corona virus. Less socials ericxd money spent. Kill off the poor. Real life hunger games.