MTA Gets $3.9 Billion Emergency Federal Funds
The Metropolitan Transit Authority is getting help from the federal government. During his daily media address on Thursday, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he spoke with President Trump advocating for MTA funding.
The MTA, which is financially struggling due to a 92 percent drop in ridership, will receive $3,9 billion in emergency funding from the federal government as soon as possible. New Jersey will receive $1.4 Billion for its transit system. The federal funding will be processed through the CARES act.
In addition to losing revenue from passengers, the MTA is deploying a team of cleaners to disinfect the trains overnight and during daytime hours to stop the spread of the coronavirus and protect essential workers that continue to ride subways and buses while the rest of the city shelters in place at home.
As a part of the new Essential Connector Program, the subway system shuts down during its slowest hours between 1 am and 5 am for cleaning during the pandemic.
The train closure will also help deal with the homeless program and provide additional services for those sleeping on trains. The NYPD is helping assist in keeping customers safe during the Overnight closure. The MTA is providing shuttle and car service at no cost for essential workers who need to travel during the closure hours.
Metro North and the Long Island Railroad trains will be cleaned as a part of the Essential Connector Program. Previously, trains were cleaned every 72 hours during the normal 24/7 schedule.
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