Uber drops mask requirements in some cities including New York and D.C.

You may now add a little more risk to your Uber ride if you want.
A woman in a mask users her smartphone next to a city street
This is optional in NYC. Credit: Getty / Images By Tang Ming Tung

Masks are no longer required during New York City Uber rides and it appears other cities, including Washington D.C., are next.

After New York Governor Kathy Hochul dropped the statewide mask requirement on public transportation on Sept. 7, Uber updated its policy in New York City, making mask-wearing optional for riders and drivers on Sept. 8.

Some users in the area received emails from Uber about the update.


You May Also Like

Like the already infamous "You do you" posters planned for the New York City subway, Uber is quick to point out that no one is meant to be actively discouraged from wearing a mask.

"While optional, riders and drivers are recommended to continue to wear masks, in line with CDC and TLC recommendations," Uber communications manager Navideh Forghani told Mashable.

After the change, Uber's user experience will actually be slightly different, Forghani said. "Beginning today, we will roll back the in-app, pre-trip checklist and start communicating the changes to riders and drivers."

New York won't be alone. Users in Washington D.C., a municipality that dropped its mask requirement for public transportation in April, will receive the same treatment, according to Forghani, who confirmed to Mashable that the company would be "doing the same" in the District.

New York's change in its mask policy on public transportation was met with criticism yesterday, with New York's Center for Independence of the Disabled tweeting that it "disagrees and is disheartened with the decision to no longer require masks."

"We encourage all users to respect each other's choices around masking," Forghani said.

Topics Uber

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
Get great skin with the iRestore LED Face Mask for its lowest price ever
iRestore LED Face Mask on teal and orange abstract background

Uber expands options for drivers, riders to opt out of men
The Uber app icon on a green phone background.

Waymo to expand to 20+ cities after $16 billion financing round
Waymo robotaxi

Stephen Colbert drops truths about the 'Melania' doc
Stephen Colbert presents The Late Show.

Walmart drops heavily discounted Pokémon TCG Journey Together Booster Bundles — how to buy now
Journey Together Booster Bundle

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

Google launches Gemma 4, a new open-source model: How to try it
Google Gemma

NYT Strands hints, answers for April 3, 2026
A game being played on a smartphone.

The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!