INDIANAPOLIS — INDIANAPOLIS — The federal mask mandate for public transit is gone.
The Transportation Security Administration made that decision after a federal judge in Florida voided that mandate Monday evening.
That means you can fly and ride buses and trains without a face covering.
Cheers of excitement roared on flights as attendants announced the mandate had been lifted.
"We dodged a bullet," said Ashley Lowrie.
Ashley Lowrie says flying from Indianapolis with her three children is going to be much easier now without masks.
Her daughter Dylan described previous travel experiences as, "not really good."
Airport passengers could be seen with and without masks.
It was the same story for IndyGo bus riders.
"We feel happy like you're free. Don't gotta keep wearing masks. We need to breathe," said Antwon Parnell.
Lynece Manson added, "I just like to have it sometimes just for comfort, peace of mind."
Last week, the White House extended the public transportation federal mandate until early May to study the Omicron sub-variant.
A federal judge in Florida threw out the order, claiming it's unlawful and exceeds the CDC's authority.
This decision comes as local COVID-19 hospitalizations have dropped. Hospitals are still full of other patients.
"We are seeing patients that are sicker, so hospitals are still very busy even though COVID numbers are lower," said Indiana Hospital Association President, Brian Tabor.
The Marion County Public Health Department says vaccination rates have also dropped nearly 95% since January.
"As a vaccinated nurse, I am very comfortable not wearing a mask in the open airport but as soon as we get on the plane and conditions are closer I will definitely wear a mask the whole time then," said Lyn Watson.
Transit riders say while they're happy this is one step closer to normalcy, many are erring on the side of caution.
"I think it's too early to tell cause anything can change," said Manson.
"I'm gonna keep it just in case, 'cause you never know. I mean, if the mayor tested positive a week ago that lets you know it can still happen," said Lamar Tanksley.
-
Fever beat Valkyries, wrap up homestand with third straight win
The Indiana Fever beat the Golden State Valkyries, 90-82, to win their third straight game to close out their homestand.
Rain can't keep thousands from turning up at Carb Day
Despite the overcast and rainy weather, thousands of fans came out to celebrate, and many seemed to be having the time of their lives.
Carmel’s Center for Performing Arts announces 2026-27 season
The Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel on Monday night announced its 2026-2027 concert lineup, featuring more than 70 performances and introducing two new programming series.
2nd fire in 5 days at Greentree Apartments displaces residents, IFD says
A large fire on Friday afternoon was the second in five days at Greentree Apartments, the Indianapolis Fire Department said in a social media post on Friday night.
