MTA Unveils 13-Point Plan for Commuter Return; Disinfecting Emphasized

By: Walter Sorensteen

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has unveiled a 13-Point Action Plan for a Safe Return as New York City begins Phase 1 reopening on Monday, June 8.

The MTA moved more than 8.3 million riders prior to the pandemic across New York City Transit, Metro-North and the Long Island Rail Road. Since dropping more than 90 percent systemwide – ridership has started to return in advance of Phase 1 with subways and buses now moving 1.5 million customers.

To continue moving essential workers, welcome back additional riders and invest in the future of the system, the MTA is reimagining operations with one core mission: doing everything possible to ensure the safety of all New Yorkers. Its 13-Point Action Plan for A Safe Return includes:

• Increased Service
• Unprecedented Cleaning & Disinfecting
• Mandatory Face Coverings
• Enhanced Safety & Security
• Nation-Leading Employee Safety Initiatives
• Innovative Cleaning Solutions
• Hand Sanitizer
• Floor Markings, Directional Arrows and New Signage
• Staggered Business Hours
• 2 Million Mask Contribution from State & City
• Contactless Payments
• New Partnership & Technology to Make System Safer
• Data Dashboard

“The MTA, a global leader among transportation agencies and the largest in North America, has acted expeditiously since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic’s arrival in New York,” officials said in a release. “To date, the agency has distributed 2.6 million masks, 5.1 million pairs of gloves, 35,000 gallons of hand sanitizer and 112,000 gallons of cleaning solutions to its heroic frontline employees and implemented an unprecedented cleaning and disinfecting regimen across subways, buses, commuter rails and stations.”

“As more New Yorkers return to work, the MTA continues to lead the nation in customer and employee safety and we are doing everything possible to transform our system and operations for the future,” said Patrick J. Foye, Chairman and CEO of the MTA. “This aggressive plan includes global best practices, input from the business and labor communities and public health officials, and is the product of months of work from the talented team at the MTA. We thank our frontline employees – the heroes moving heroes – whose dedication has been unwavering.”

“We understand our critical duty to provide safe and reliable transportation to our customers and help the New York metropolitan region get back on its feet,” said Mario Peloquin, MTA Chief Operating Officer. “A lot of planning and careful attention to detail went into figuring out how to strategically reopen the MTA for Phase 1, and our top priority remains the same: to continue to be the vehicle by which the entire region not only recovers, but thrives once again.”

“Safety is our north star and will always be the top priority for all of us at the MTA,” said Sarah Feinberg, Interim President of New York City Transit. “We’re ramping up service as we head into Phase 1, and we’ll be there every step of the way to ensure customer and employee safety going forward. We’ve been working closely with our partners in labor and I thank the incredible 54,000 men and women of NYC Transit for their unwavering dedication.”