Amtrak customers without face coverings will be denied service
Acela service on the Northeast Corridor returns June 1.
For those traveling on Amtrak, a face mask just became as important as a ticket.
Amtrak announced that all passengers are required to wear face coverings for the protection of both customers and employees during the coronavirus pandemic, writing that “service will be denied to customers not wearing facial coverings.” The policy went into effect on Monday.
Customers at all stations, trains, and thruway buses are required to wear a face covering, according to a press release, but small children unable to keep them on are exempt from the rule. The coverings may be removed when passengers are in their private rooms, eating in designated areas, or seated alone or with a travel companion in their own pair of seats. Customers must supply their own face coverings.
Amtrak’s Northeast Regional trains to New York and Washington, D.C. are currently operating on a reduced schedule. Amtrak’s Downeaster trains, which travel between Boston and Brunswick, Maine, are suspended through at least May 31. High-speed Acela service on the Northeast Corridor will return with a modified schedule on June 1. There will be three weekday roundtrips, according to Amtrak, and Northeast Regional trips will increase from eight to 10 roundtrips.
In an effort to maintain social distancing on trains, sales for coach, business, and Acela first class will be reduced to 50 percent of available seating, according to Amtrak.
The CDC recommends wearing face coverings in public settings where social distancing measures are hard to maintain in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. Gov. Charlie Baker mandated that Massachusetts residents wear face coverings in public places beginning May 6 or face a $300 fine. Many airlines have implemented mandatory face covering policies this month as well.
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