Face masks could be seen on people boarding and departing an Amtrak train that made a stop in San Luis Obispo Tuesday afternoon.
The national railroad service says the new requirement, which, as of Monday, requires face coverings in stations, on trains and aboard thruway buses, is part of its ongoing commitment to help protect customers and front-line employees from contracting COVID-19.
The facial coverings can be removed when you’re eating in designated areas, in your private rooms, or seated alone or with a travel companion in your own pair of seats, according to Amtrak.
"They say to mainly wear the mask when you're moving about. If you're sitting at your seat while I’m drinking coffee - kind of hard to drink coffee through a mask,” said rider Michael Swearingen of Long Beach.
Riders Tuesday said people were still able to keep social distancing measures in place on board by keeping two sets of empty seats between each person.
Officials say small children who are not able to maintain a facial covering are exempt from the requirement.
Amtrak says customers must supply their own facial covering.