MTA riders and employees will face a $50 fine if they fail to wear a face covering on trains, buses and platforms.
If a rider doesn’t have a face mask, they will be provided one. If they don't wear it, they will be fined.
MTA Chairman Pat Foye says they have distributed more than four million masks so far.
“Achieving universal mask compliance is our goal. Global health experts agree that wearing a mask is the best thing that all of us can do to limit the spread of COVID-19. As the Governor has said in the past, it's a matter of respect for one's fellow co-commuters and MTA employees,” Foye said. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has issued an executive order directing the MTA to develop a plan to enforce the wearing of masks. “We want people on Metro North. We want them on the Long Island Rail Road. We want them on the subway system. They know the cars are cleaner. They know they're disinfected. The last variable is, are the other riders on the trains recognizing social distancing and are they wearing masks? That's what people want to know,” Cuomo said.
Vending machines with masks, gloves, sanitizer and wipes will be available at commuter stations and subway ticket booths.
The MTA has also launched a public awareness campaign to encourage riders to follow the mask policy.