The MTA is the lifeblood of New York. Prior to the pandemic, our circulatory system carried 8.3 million riders on an average weekday across New York City Transit, Metro-North and LIRR. Ridership has dropped as New York has done the right thing and stayed home.
Here’s what you can do, as well as what we’re doing.
Our 13-point plan
Increase Service We’re increasing service on subways, buses, LIRR and MNR to provide as much space as we can. Get all the details about service here.
Clean and Disinfect We’re continuing our intensified cleaning procedures across the system. Learn more about what we’re doing here.
Test Innovative Cleaning Solutions We’ve piloted the first ever UV Light proven to kill COVID-19, and are testing how it will work in our system’s yards and depots. We’re also testing electrostatic sprayers and antimicrobial biostats and launching a pilot to test new innovated air filters that kill microbes. Learn more.
Mandate Face Coverings We’re requiring that you wear a face covering or mask when you travel with is. It’ll help keep everyone safe, and it’s the right thing to do. Riders who refuse to wear a mask could get a $50 fine. (If you need one, just ask.)
Keep Employees Safe We're providing the highest levels of PPE. We're cleaning and disinfecting workspaces around the clock. We're doing temperature checks, and ensuring access to diagnostic and antibody testing.
Enhance Safety & Security We’re deploying our team, including station agents, station ambassadors and wayfinders to help you move through stations. MTA PD and NYPD will also be at strategic locations.
Deploy Hand Sanitizer We’ve installed yellow hand sanitizer dispensers in every subway station, that are built in-house, and continue testing different types of dispensers. Keep an eye out, and keep washing your hands.
Install Floor Markings, Arrows and Wayfinders We’re placing yellow markers throughout the system to help remind you to keep space between yourself and others where you can, and to keep your face covering over your nose and mouth.
Stagger Business Hours We’re working with businesses to stagger start times to help more evenly distribute ridership throughout the day.
Distributing Masks We’ll have free masks on hand to distribute to those who may not have them, thanks to the contribution from the City. We're also testing PPE vending machines at 10 stations.
Continue Contactless Payments The OMNY rollout continues in subway stations and on buses. If pay-per-ride works for you, consider using contactless. Learn more here. MNR and LIRR will also be reminding you about their eTix program.
New Partnerships & Technology to Make our System Safer
Tracking Daily Ridership We publish ridership numbers to help you understand how many people are using transit.