LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Local transportation agencies began dropping their masks requirements for employees and passengers after the Transportation Security Administration decided that it will no longer enforce the mask mandate on public transportation.

In a statement Tuesday morning, the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) said it was dropping the requirement for face masks inside the airport.

"Masks may still be required by individual airlines and for international travel," the statement read. "Travelers are encouraged to check with your airlines and flight destination regarding any face covering requirements."

The Transit Authority of River City (TARC) also dropped its mask requirement for all drivers and passengers on its bus, making the announcement on social media Tuesday morning.

"Due to a federal judge ruling in Florida, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is no longer enforcing the mask mandate on public transportation or in transportation hubs," TARC tweeted. "At this time, masks are no longer required for TARC employees, customers, or visitors.

"We will closely monitor any new regulations and make adjustments if needed. We appreciate your patience, flexibility, and adherence to safety at this time."

TARC implemented the mask requirement in April 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The move to drop the requirement comes after a federal judge in Florida struck down a national mask mandate on airplanes and mass transit Monday, and airlines and airports swiftly began repealing their requirements that passengers wear face coverings.

The judge's decision freed airlines, airports and mass transit systems to make their own decisions about mask requirements, resulting in a mix of responses.

“I would probably, right now, prefer to continue to wear a mask, though, just because everyone’s packed in together,” Travis Carmack said Tuesday at SDF while waiting on his flight at SDF.

“If I’m encouraged to, then I will," Jeremiah Spencer added. "But for now, I plan on not wearing a mask."

Others are excited about the change but are still proceeding with some caution.

“I was very happy, very excited about it," Anne Bennett, from Louisville, said Tuesday as she went mask-less in the airport. "My husband and I do plan on wearing (masks) when we get on the plane, because it’s just so enclosed.” 

Even with some deciding to continue taking precautions, they aren't too concerned about others taking their masks off. 

"I don’t think there are as many people are getting COVID now, and more people are vaccinated and getting their booster, so that’s all good,” Bennett said. 

Many passengers are simply hoping this change will stay for the long-term.

“I think it's a good thing, but also we need to stay cautious so we don't have to go back to the mask," Spencer said. "But I feel like people should enjoy it while it's here and not take it for granted.” 

The major airlines switched to a mask optional policy, with some eliciting cheers from passengers when the changes were announced over loudspeakers. TSA said Monday night that it would it will no longer enforce the mask requirement, and airports in Houston and Dallas almost immediately did away with their mandates after the TSA announcement. 

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