Pandemic update: NJ Transit closes Newark Penn for overnight cleanings

New Jersey Transit on May 3 began closing Newark Penn Station overnight from 11 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. to allow for a daily deep cleaning and disinfection.

The Port Authority Trans-Hudson Corp. (PATH) today also began daily closures at the 9th Street and 23rd Street stations from midnight to 5 a.m. 

The closures will enable PATH to focus resources more efficiently throughout the system while maintaining overnight service, agency officials said in a press release. 

Meanwhile, passenger-rail agencies across the United States are implementing other measures to limit COVID-19's spread while continuing essential service:

• Beginning today, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority riders must wear face coverings while riding trains as required by a state order.
• Metra in Chicago on May 9 will begin operating most of its lines on a reduced weekend schedule, and will eliminate Saturday service on the SouthWest Service Line.
• Regional Transportation District of Denver (RTD) created a survey to receive feedback on how the community will use transit as stay-at-home orders are lifted and riders return to regularly using rail service. RTD officials will use the survey results in drafting a recovery plan. The survey will be open until May 10.