Transit workers are calling on Gov. Andrew Cuomo
to restore overnight subway service in the city.
It’s been more than seven months since New Yorkers had to rely on bus service, taxis and private cars to get around
the city from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.
The city has been using that time to clean and disinfect hundreds of trains
throughout the city.
Transportation advocates say that science has shown surface cleaning does
little to combat the spread of COVID.
Instead, they want the MTA to change
their focus and look for other alternative measures to keep riders safe.
Councilmembers took their concerns and questions to MTA Chairman Pat Foye who
testified during an oversight hearing regarding the MTA’s recovery plan.
Foye says the pandemic has hurt the transit company’s financial budget more than ever before, causing
a huge drop in ridership and leaving the MTA in an economic crisis.
Other topics including fare increases, homelessness and zoning for transit
accessibility were addressed.
Foye says it is still essential to
restore 24-hour service.