Which face mask do you need on public transport?

On public transport everyone over the age of 12 is required to wear a face mask. That applies to all people in the Netherlands, including tourists and expats. But what counts as a valid face mask, which type of face mask is suitable for public transport? Do you have to wear a medical face mask on the train, bus or metro? And is a face mask also mandatory in a taxi? And where do you buy these face masks? We answer all these questions in this article.

Who has to wear a face mask on public transport?

Since 1 June 2020 there has been a face mask requirement on public transport for passengers aged 13 and over and for all public transport staff. This can be a homemade face mask or a non-medical face mask. For every journey on public transport you must wear a new or freshly washed face mask. A scarf or other item of clothing is not considered a face mask and is therefore not valid.

What type of face mask is required?

As mentioned above, a non-medical face mask is sufficient, and it is even discouraged to use a medical face mask with a filter of the FFP2 type. But how can you tell whether a face mask is medical or non-medical? The easiest way to answer this question is to turn it around: what is a medical face mask? These are all masks with a CE mark; such a mark indicates that there is a specific filter present. Protective masks vary considerably in their level of filtration, which is expressed as Filtering Facepiece Particle (FFP). The best mask allows 0.1 percent of virus particles through. All these FFP masks are certified and must remain available for healthcare.

How high is the fine if I don’t wear a face mask on public transport?

The fine for not wearing a face mask on public transport is € 95,- per offence.

Is a face mask also mandatory at the station and on platforms, or only on the train, metro and bus?

This is a good question, because there isn’t a lot of information about it. First of all, the government assumes people will take personal responsibility, so it is advisable for everyone to wear a face mask in station concourses and on platforms as well. Face masks are mandatory on the train because keeping a distance of one and a half metres is not always possible there. At stations the one-and-a-half-metre distancing rule continues to apply; that’s why wearing a face mask there is not mandatory. Source: NS 

Can I use the same face mask for my outward and return journey, or do I need a new one for each single journey?

The idea is that you use a new or freshly washed face mask for each journey. So for every single journey you need a new or washed face mask. Source

Are there reusable, washable face masks and where can you buy them?

The paper face masks we know from DIY stores and hospitals are generally disposable face masks. They are perfectly fine to wear on public transport, but you do need a new one for each single journey. That’s an option if you don’t travel very often by train, bus or metro. You can buy these face masks on sites like bol.com and hema.nl, and they are generally not very expensive.

If you travel by public transport more often, for instance for commuting, it may be more convenient to buy cotton face masks. You’ll need 2 per return trip (there and back). These cotton face masks are washable and therefore reusable. By now many initiatives have sprung up from studios and savvy entrepreneurs who sell very trendy, modern cotton face masks. There are also plenty of cotton face masks available on bol.com.

Can I also make my own face mask for public transport?

Absolutely, you can of course make your own face mask to use on public transport. It’s best if it is made of cotton, for example from a pillowcase or a T-shirt.

Is a face mask also mandatory in a taxi?

No, a taxi is not considered public transport, so a face mask is not mandatory in a taxi. However, most taxis have installed a Corona screen in the car. Otherwise it would be impossible to maintain a distance of 1.5 metres.

Can you buy a face mask on the train, bus or metro?

No, it’s not possible to buy a face mask on public transport itself. The face mask is mainly intended as a preventive measure against Covid-19 when boarding and alighting. It would be odd if you could only buy a face mask once you are already on the train. So always buy a face mask before you travel by public transport.