The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and Transport Workers Union Local 100 (TWU) today announced all cash transactions, other than reduced-fare purchases will be conducted via MetroCard Vending Machines effective Tuesday, March 24, until further notice. The new measure will reduce person-to-person contact at subway station booths and provide access to full cash capabilities via MetroCard Vending Machines located at all 472 subway stations across the system.

This marks the latest precaution taken by the MTA and TWU to protect workers from the COVID-19 outbreak, as transit workers continue to report to work to move the healthcare workers, first responders and other essential employees on the frontlines of this public health crisis.

Under the new measure, reduced fare purchases, including those for senior citizens and ADA customers will be allowed to continue at station booths. In the event a customer needs change or the MetroCard Vending Machine is out of service, station agents will conduct and complete the transaction.

“New York City Transit’s top priority is the safety of our frontline employees and we are doing everything we can to protect their health as they continue to move this city forward during this crisis,” said Interim President of NYC Transit, Sarah Feinberg. “Reducing cash transactions will help our station agents feel safe on the job and ensure we are taking all precautions against COVID-19 to protect our workforce.”

“This was a big concern for our station agents,” said TWU Local 100 President, Tony Utano. “I raised it with NYC Transit officials at headquarters and I’m glad that they listened and agreed to this common-sense plan that will help protect our members.”

–via Press Release