Starting on June 1, SEPTA will eliminate all COVID-19 related capacity limits on trains, buses, and trolleys, writes Dan Stamm for NBC10.

The decision was made due to the growing number of vaccinated people and the decreasing number of new COVID-19 cases.

However, the transit agency will follow the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on public transit and keep the requirement of wearing masks even for vaccinated people.

SEPTA ridership has decreased significantly during the pandemic. Some people have stopped using public transportation due to working from home and others due to worries of getting sick. Many have also said they decided to forego public transportation due to the trash, smell, and feeling unsafe.

SEPTA, however, is pointing to the safety measures in place to protect riders, including daily vehicle cleaning and mask requirements.

“Removing vehicle capacity limits to meet increased ridership demand is a major step in the region’s recovery,” said SEPTA General Manager Leslie Richards. “We are grateful for our riders who counted on SEPTA throughout the pandemic, and we are excited to safely welcome back those who may be taking the system for the first time in over a year.”

Read more about SEPTA at NBC10.