The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said it has fined 922 people since February 2021. Fines total at $644,398 for not wearing masks on public transportation, the fines were issued to those traveling on commercial flights, in airports, train stations or on public transit services.
All but 44 of the cases were over passengers on airplanes or in airports who refused to wear a mask. As for how the fines were issued, $501,388 was from 788 onboard incidents, $57,065 was for not wearing masks at airport checkpoints and another 57,795 was from other uncategorized airport incidents. Surface Transportation incidents totaled $28,150 in fines.
The TSA announced late last week it had extended the mandatory mask mandate on public transportation until at least April 18. Government officials said they’re working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on a revised policy framework for when the mask mandates can be safely lifted.