Weekday service on MTA commuter rails have returned nearly back to normal, with safety measures in place. Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North trains were operating on a reduced schedule for several months amid the pandemic.
The LIRR has returned to 90% of its normal weekday service. Officials encourage riders to plan their trips ahead of time using the car-by-car seating availability service in their LIRR Train Time app.
Metro-North trains that run to and from Connecticut are back up to half of their normal schedule.
Most MTA stations have hand sanitizer dispensers and mask distribution available for commuters to ride the trains. Commuter trains are cleaned at least once a day, and stations at least twice a day.
Officials hope it’s enough to make commutes safe and comfortable again. Riders, however, have criticized the lack of enforcement on masks.
The MTA faces a massive budget deficit due to reduced ridership. It seeks a nearly $4 billion bailout from Congress.
