Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the coronavirus
By Katelyn DiFede
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has possibly been hit the hardest due to the Pandemic. Metro North ridership remains 80% down and they are currently losing $200 million every week. This is due to the drop in economic activity, declines in farebox revenue, and unplanned expenses caused by the pandemic.
Not only has the economic aspect been affected but also the workers lives. Some workers are scared to come to work because about 130 of them have died since the start of the pandemic. They are also becoming sick constantly because they are exposed to so many different people.
These workers are cleaning 24/7 to try and keep the trains and stations as clean as possible. They use Ultraviolet light, antimicrobial biostats, electrostatic sprayers, innovative air filters, while also making hand sanitizers and masks available. They also added that riders who don’t wear masks get fined $50. These additional expenses imposed on the MTA led to more loss in revenue. These attempts are still not enough to keep the spread under control.
With less riders there is no need to have the subway running all night. The subway service is now shut down at night from 1 am to 5 am. If the MTA doesn’t get help from the government, they are going to have to cut their services even more than they already are.
