If you wondered what riding the NYC subway would look like in the age of COVID-19, that day is now here.
Though the subway has been operating for essential workers throughout the COVID-19 crisis, the city entered phase 1 of reopening on Monday, June 8 and with 400,000 New Yorkers returning to the workforce and now 1.5 million daily riders on subways and buses, the MTA has initiated many new tactics to help curb the spread of the virus on public transit.
You can view their full 13-Point Action Plan here, but some highlights on what to expect include:
- Increased service so cars are less crowded (along with asking businesses to stagger their hours)
- Continued 24/7 disinfecting (with UV technology!)
- Face coverings required for everyone at all times (they will be distributing 2 million of them)
- Floor markings showing six feet of distance, directional arrows and new signage
- Hand sanitizer (they have already distributed 35,000 gallons to customers and will continue to add dispensers at stations and have personnel hand them out to riders)
Take a peek at what the new reality of riding the subway looks like below:
See also: The MTA Will Disinfect Subways With UV Lights Proven To Kill COVID-19
featured image source: Marc A. Hermann / MTA New York City Transit