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.
-
Conner Prairie to host America 250 events, including Star Spangled Symphony
Friday and Saturday’s Fourth of July festivities include performances from the Symphony on the Prairie and many other activities to tell the history of the United States.
CarmelFest kicks off celebrating America's 250th, Carmel's 50th
CarmelFest 2026 kicked off Friday afternoon. This year’s celebration not only marks America’s 250th birthday but also the 50th anniversary of Carmel officially becoming a city.
A holiday heat advisory with storms possible
An Extreme Heat Warning expires at 8 PM EDT this evening. A Heat Advisory then goes in place through Saturday evening.
Pacers rookie Braden Smith excited to play in Pacers uniform for the first time
New Pacers second-round draft selection and former Purdue standout Braden Smith is set to play in a Pacers uniform for the first time when the NBA Summer League begins next week.
