The change is effective at the start of the operating day, Sunday, October 2

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) notifies its riders and communities that at the start of the operating day, Sunday, October 2, the onboard face mask requirement will end.

AC Transit is one of the last transit agencies statewide to lift its onboard mask requirement. As such, this decision follows careful consideration, including the consistent decline in COVID-positive cases documented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) since July 2022.

Our transit district is confident that wearing a well-fitted mask, widespread vaccination, and broad access to self-testing has been instrumental in reducing COVID-19 transmissions and achieving the health outcomes recorded by local and federal public health officers. 

However, the potential of new variants of the COVID-19 virus has precluded public health officers from declaring an end to the pandemic. As a result, AC Transit may modify the current decision during either or all the following circumstances:  

(note: AC Transit defines a "spike" as a sharp increase in the concentration of COVID-positive diagnosis, documented by local public health officers and treatment professionals).

Riders may exercise personal choice and continue to wear a face mask while commuting on our bus lines. In support of individual choice, AC Transit will continue to supply face masks and hand sanitizer at the bus entrance throughout our fleet, free of charge.

Information found on this website can be provided in an alternative format upon request. Please contact Customer Service at 510-891-4777 to speak to a representative or to submit your request in writing click here. AC Transit will do its best to provide the requested alternative format within a reasonable time.