While a majority of COVID-19 restrictions are lifted in New York State, the MTA is reminding all customers, regardless of vaccination status, that masks are still required while riding trains and buses. The reminder comes as riders have been reportedly seen in the transit system not wearing masks.
Under updated CDC guidance, masks are no longer required on outdoor NYC Transit platforms, outdoor Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North Railroad and Staten Island Railway stations and platforms, and bus stops. Once a customer boards a train, bus or paratransit vehicle, masks are required.
The MTA held its 12th ‘Mask Force’ event last week, with MTA leaders, local elected officials, staff, and volunteers distributing thousands of free masks throughout the Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North Railroad and NYC Transit subway system. Since its inception 12 months ago, approximately 1,050 New Yorkers have volunteered for the MTA Mask Force, handing out 700,000 masks.