King County no longer requires riders to wear a mask on public transit. On April 18, the Transportation Security Administration removed the mask mandate on public transportation, and the King County Metro system adapted to the new guidelines. That includes public buses, Washington State Ferries, and Light Rail. This change impacts students who take public transit to school every day. 

Senior Katherine Van enjoys taking the bus and Light Rail every day. 

“It’s a lot cheaper [than driving], I don’t have to worry about parking. It’s very convenient,” Van said. “I take the bus then Light Rail. When I get off Light Rail I take the bus again and by then it’s 4:30, it’s rush hour.”

Despite the mask removal, Van doesn’t feel anxious.

“I’m not that impacted by it. I don’t mind if people keep their mask on or not, as long as I keep mine on I feel fine,” Van said.

One issue is capacity, as the buses are often full during rush hour.

“It does get crowded around rush hour, the buses are at full capacity and there really isn’t any room to stand,” Van said.

Senior Andrew Bell also takes the bus, but unlike Van, he only takes University Prep’s custom bus system. He takes the bus to and from school every day, along with other places in the city.

“The number of people wearing masks on the custom bus is very similar to UPrep. I still wear my mask on the bus. I feel like the removal of masks was too soon,” Bell said. 

Bell’s been taking the bus for most of his life.

“I don’t like to drive. When I was younger I had that kind of freedom before any of my friends. I also didn’t have to worry about anyone driving me around or what car is available to use,” Bell said.

King County Metro still plans on providing free masks to anyone who wants them through at least July 1.