NEW YORK – If you are riding on a Metro-North or Amtrak train now, you must wear a face covering in keeping with the new state directive requiring that when in public.
Face coverings protecting New Yorkers’ nose and mouth, including cloth bandanas, scarves, masks or other alternatives, were mandatory effective April 17 at 8 p.m. in order to ride public transportation.
The new campaign includes digital signage across more than 7,000 digital screens, audio announcements in stations and on trains, and more than 7,000 printed signs for buses and paratransit vehicles. The digital signage appears on more than 4,000 screens across the New York City Subway, 2,600 screens on buses, and 550 screens on the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad. The audio announcements instruct customers – healthcare workers, first responders and other essential personnel – making their way throughout the system to wear a face covering as the MTA has observed most of its customers already doing.
“This executive order follows our efforts, leading the country, to keep our customers and employees safe during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Patrick Warren, MTA chief safety officer. “Wearing the face covering is critical to protecting public health and could ultimately save lives.”
The MTA reminds customers that public transportation is to be used for essential travel only. All other New Yorkers should stay home.
