Metro North Riders Could Face Hefty Fine For Not Wearing a Mask

If you're a regular Metro North rider, or take the train at anytime, you better be wearing a mask.

It was back in April that New York Governor, Andrew Cuomo, issued an executive order for all commuters and employees to wear face coverings when riding on MTA, and MTA Metro North. Now, there's a little twist that will be going along with this order, if you're caught on Metro North not wearing a mask, you could be subject to a $50 fine.

Interim Transit Authority President, Sarah Feinberg, explained to newyork.cbslocal.com how the MTA is expanding the must wear mask rule with the public:

What we’re doing is using another tool in our toolbox to get mask compliance. We’re going to do everything we possibly can to make sure everyone in the system is wearing a mask.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, close to 90 percent of people have been wearing masks, however, there is still some reluctance for people to take the train. Ridership is down almost 80 percent.

The new mask mandate went into effect on Monday morning (Sept.14th), and applies to all branches of the MTA including buses and subways.

Most MTA riders said they feel much more comfortable seeing other commuters wearing a mask, and get a little more anxious when riding and people are not wearing any type of facial covering.

MTA police will be enforcing this new mask rule, and the Transport Workers Union will be handing out free masks to riders, and installing new vending machines with PPE.