New York Governor Kathy Hochul  announced that the mask requirement on public transit is being lifted. Following guidance from New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett, effective immediately masks are optional on all forms of public transportation, including subways, buses, commuter railroad, paratransit services, and in stations. Free masks will continue to be available at subway station booths upon request as well as on commuter railroad trains.

To eliminate confusion for riders, the Authority is rolling out a new campaign throughout stations and on subways, buses, and commuter railroad trains. Digital signage will encourage riders who prefer wearing a mask to continue to do so, while also ensuring awareness that it is now optional for all.

Since the onset of the pandemic, the MTA has provided masks to employees and customers by distributing 56 million free masks. The Authority launched “Safe Travels and Operation Respect” and the MTA Mask Force in June 2020, when volunteers and MTA leaders went to stations and onboard subways, buses, and commuter railroads, distributing masks and educating riders on mask usage.