Change.org Petition: Amtrak - Protect people by designating some "mask-required" cars on each train

As the CDC travel mask mandate comes to an end, thousands of people like petition starter Terri are concerned for the safety of at-risk travelers. Terri believes that a total ban on masks will limit access to public transportation for those who are medically vulnerable. That’s why she created this petition asking Amtrak to create a masked car, similar to their quiet car. Terri’s solution can ensure continued access to travel for everyone, while respecting CDC regulations. Add your name to show your support. Amtrak: Protect people by designating some "mask-required" cars on each train 1,369 have signed Terri Gerstein’s petition. Let’s get to 1,500!

Sign now with a click

Petition: Amtrak, please protect people by designating some "mask-required" cars on each train.  The problem: The CDC travel mask mandate has ended, but traveling without universal masking is especially dangerous for many people, including those with serious health problems that put them at risk of Covid complications, their families, kids under 5, and more. Without mask-required travel options, transportation is functionally blocked for many people, including disproportionately people who have disabilities or are medically vulnerable.  Why I care about this: I care about public health and access to transportation for people in our country and in my community. On a personal level, I’m worried about my elderly mom and stepfather, who are scheduled to fly from Florida next month for a family wedding; I wish there were mask-required flights they could select. Also, many people nationwide commute to work and school on public buses and subways. And as a New Yorker, I know that so many people ride Amtrak each day for work and for vacation or weekend travel.  The solution: Amtrak can lead the way in solving the problem, by offering some universal-masking travel options. Amtrak can readily do this: it already has the quiet car on some routes; the company could use a similar approach to start offering universal masking options for the first and last car on each train, for example. ("First and last? Wear a mask.")  Travelers who don’t want to wear a mask could choose other cars on the train. But travelers who want to be in a mask-required setting should have the opportunity to keep themselves and their families safe. There is likely to be real demand for this service: polls show that most Americans prefer masked travel. It’s also the right thing to do, to ensure safety and access for everyone.  Please share and sign my petition, so that Amtrak will create a mask-required option for travelers who need or want this choice.  PS: Here’s a link to an op-ed I wrote about this: https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/covid-mask-mandate-travel-lifted-go-rcna24988

Sign now with a click

Visit petition page

At Change.org, we believe in the voice of everyday people. Is there something that you want to change? Start a petition today