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9/11/2020
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) on Sept. 14 will begin issuing $50 fines to riders who refuse to wear a mask on New York City's subway and commuter trains, the agency announced yesterday.
The policy was announced in response to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's executive order directing MTA to develop a plan to bolster mask compliance.
MTA surveys show more than 90 percent of riders are using masks on the MTA New York City Transit (NYCT) subway and bus system, Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad, MTA officials said in a press release.
"While mask compliance in the MTA system remains very high, we want to make sure that people feel comfortable coming back to public transportation," Cuomo said. "We have to be able to say to the riding public that everyone will be wearing masks — and if they refuse to wear a mask they will be penalized."
Mask compliance will be enforced by the MTA and New York City police departments, as well as MTA Bridge and Tunnel officers.
"The fine is a last resort measure for those who refuse to comply,” NYCT Interim President Sarah Feinberg said.