One historic staple of NYC has been 24/7 subway service (we’re the city that never sleeps after all!), but that all changed when the pandemic began.
Back in May, the MTA shut down overnight subway service (from 1-5 a.m.) for the first time ever in its history to properly clean and disinfect the trains and stations.
But after almost a year, New Yorkers have been pushing for it to open back up, as more reopening efforts have been taking place throughout the city and the need for essential workers to have access to public transportation. And now, the city is moving slowly but surely toward that.
Governor Cuomo announced yesterday that starting Monday, February 22, late-night subway service will be extended by two hours. Instead of being closed from 1-5 a.m., it will only be closed from 2-4 a.m. daily.
The two hour closing will allow them to continue “the most aggressive deep cleaning and disinfecting regimen in its history.”
“The partial late-night reopening of the subways will support the Governor’s gradual reopening as we are seeing positive trends with the deployment of the vaccine, lower infection rate, the resumption of indoor dining and extended hours for bars and restaurants,” MTA Chairman and CEO Patrick J. Foye said. “The suspension of service for two hours will enable the MTA to continue the most aggressive cleaning and disinfecting regimen that has led the subway to be the cleanest it has ever been.”
The decision comes after the Governor extended closing hours to 11 p.m. for restaurants, bars, and, gyms, and also after his announcement last week that large stadiums and arenas could reopen for sports games and concerts with 10% capacity as soon as February 23.
featured image source: MTA