Public transportation users, take note: mask up or face a fine, starting Monday, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said Thursday.
Passengers who don’t have masks will be offered one, Cuomo said. While abuot 90 percent of passengers are wearing masks, Cuomo said, ““But we want to make sure that people feel comfortable coming back to public transportation.”
Anyone refusing to wear a mask will not be permitted to ride, he said. Mask compliance will be enforced by MTAPD, NYPD and Bridge and Tunnel Officers, not conductors or other rail employees.
The rules apply to the Long Island Rail Road and other commuter lines, as well as the New York City subway system.
The Metropolitan Transportation authority said it would file for an emergency rule so that it could take effect as of Monday.
The goal is to encourage people to feel safe while using the public transportation system and limit the spread of Covid-19.
Social media users frequently post complaints about other passengers who fail to wear masks.