Here are the Safety Precautions NYC Public Transportation is Taking During Coronavirus
While the best way to stay safe is to avoid subways, buses, and trains as much as possible, here are safety precautions you can take to prevent the spread of coronavirus if you need to ride NYC public transportation.
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The MTA will check employees’ temperatures regularly, and constantly disinfect work spaces.
Staff will be present to help riders navigate through stations. NYPD and MTA PD will also be present to assist, but have been directed not to make any arrests or write summons over masks and crowding.
The MTA will distribute mini hand sanitizers throughout stations, in addition to having hand sanitizer dispensers available for use.
Yellow markers have been placed to encourage social distancing and mask-wearing.
The MTA will provide masks for riders who do not have them, thanks to city contributions.
Riders are encouraged to use OMNY, the MTA’s contactless payment method, if they are able.
The MTA will publicize daily ridership to show New Yorkers how many people are riding public transit.
Long Island Rail Road’s Coronavirus Safety Precautions:
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The LIRR will increase service to avoid overcrowding, and will offer some weekday service to Long Island City and Hunterspoint Avenue.
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Riders are required to wear masks at all times in LIRR stations and on trains
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Ticket windows will be open at Penn Station 24/7, and at Jamaica Station and Atlantic Terminal from 6am-10pm daily. Ticket windows at suburban stations will remain closed until further notice.
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Riders are encouraged to buy tickets on MTA eTix for a safe and contactless purchase. People will not be able to purchase tickets with cash at ticket windows or on trains. For riders that must use cash, the Ticket Machine is available.
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South Fork Commuter Connection train service remains suspended.
New Jersey Transit’s Coronavirus Safety Precautions:
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Executive Order 125 requires NJ TRANSIT to limit occupancy by passengers to 50 percent of the stated maximum vehicle capacity on all buses, trains, and light rail vehicles.
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Customers and personnel onboard vehicles must wear a face covering at all times.
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Riders are urged to sign up for My Transit alerts, download the NJ TRANSIT Mobile App, and stay connected with NJ transit on social media for the latest information.
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For bus safety, riders can buy tickets in advance using the NJ TRANSIT mobile app to remain contactless; rear-door boarding has been implemented; and seats near the operator have been blocked off to maintain social distancing.
Metro-North’s Coronavirus Safety Precautions:
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Masks are required for all riders.
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Riders can purchase tickets on the MTA eTix mobile app, or with cash at ticket vending machines. Tickets cannot be purchased with cash onboard.
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While most ticket offices are still closed, the following will be open on weekdays only:
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Grand Central Terminal: 6am-10:30pm
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White Plains: 6am-10:30pm
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Stamford, CT: 6am-11pm
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The lower level at Grand Central Terminal will be open, with some booths open for takeout or delivery.
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There will be increased service to avoid overcrowding during morning and evening rush hours.