Amtrak tightens mask requirement

Amtrak last week joined U.S. airlines in tightening requirements that passengers wear face coverings to help slow the spread of coronavirus infections. 

The nation's intercity passenger railroad now says passengers may be removed or banned from trains for not wearing masks. In May, Amtrak began requiring riders to wear masks, but allowed riders to remove them when seated alone. 

Now, riders may remove masks only when riding in private rooms, which are available only on long-distance trains.

Amtrak reserves the right to remove passengers or ban them from future travel if they do not follow the face-covering policy, Amtrak officials said on the railroad's website.