Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn wants riders on Metro buses and subways to be required to wear masks or face coverings. (photo by Edwin Folven)

Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, 4th District, has called on Metro to require all bus and train passengers to wear face coverings to protect the health of bus drivers and fellow passengers.

In a letter to Metro CEO Phil Washington Hahn said, “given what we know about the COVID-19 virus, the policy of not requiring face coverings puts both Metro passengers and bus drivers at risk.”

The supervisor’s letter comes after media reports about Metro bus drivers who said they fear for their health and the health of passengers. While the current COVID-19 public health order requires the public to wear face coverings in essential businesses, Metro has allowed bus drivers to determine whether or not to allow passengers on board without face coverings.

“Because so many other essential workers, from grocery store employees to restaurant workers, rely on Metro to get to and from work, Metro’s decision not to require face coverings threatens to compound the spread of this virus across our county,” Hahn said. She asked Metro to take action immediately instead of waiting for the next meeting of the Metro Board of Directors in late May. Metro Spokesman Dave Sotero said on May 5 that no decision had been made by Metro regarding Hahn’s request.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced on May 5 that passengers will be required to wear masks or face coverings on all city buses beginning on Monday, May 11, including DASH and Commuter Express buses operated by the Los Angeles Department of Transportation.