The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced, on Wednesday May 5, an extension of the federal mask mandate to September 13, 2021. Here is a statement from the City of Las Cruces: The mandate first went into effect on February 1, 2021 and requires public transit agencies to enforce the use of masks on buses, at bus stops, and at transportation hubs. This includes all indoor and outdoor areas of RoadRUNNER Transit’s Mesilla Valley Intermodal Transit Center at 300 W. Lohman Avenue. RoadRUNNER Transit riders and visitors to RoadRUNNER facilities are reminded that failure to properly wear a mask when using public transit may result in denial of boarding or removal from buses and transit facilities.The TSA has authority to enforce fines on individuals who refuse to comply, starting at $250 and increasing to $1500 for repeat offenders. Exceptions are allowed for removing masks briefly, with proper social distance,to eat one bite of food, to take one sip of water, or to take medications. Also,children under the age of 2 are exempted from the mandate. Because the new rule does not allow masks to be removed for the purpose of smoking, RoadRUNNER outdoor areas at facilities and bus stops will be designated as “no smoking” areas for the duration of the federal mask mandate. Indoor areas and outdoor areas within 50’ of a building entrance are already designated as no smoking areas under the City’s Clean Indoor Air Ordinance. Per the Center for Disease Control (CDC) direction, masks may be manufactured or homemade and may be reusable or disposable. If made of cloth, they must be made of at least 2 layers of tightly woven yet breathable fabric. Masks should fit snug yet comfortably against the face and cover the mouth and nose. “Double masking” is also encouraged. Per CDC direction, the following do NOT meet the requirements of the federal order: scarves, ski masks, balaclavas, bandanas, masks with loosely woven fabric such a knitted masks, shirts or sweaters pulled up to cover the mouth and nose, masks with holes or exhalation valves, and face shields used without masks. For more information about the mask requirement or to get general information about RoadRUNNER Transit, contact Transit Customer Service at (575) 541-2500. For information about RoadRUNNER Transit’s Dial-a-Ride service, for persons with qualifying disabilities and senior citizens age 60+, contact (575) 541-2777. |
