Things will look a lot different for overnight commuters at subway stations as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority will stop subway service during overnight hours starting Tuesday in an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus. 

This means that some essential workers will have to find another way to get to work. 

Subway trains have previously been disinfected at least once every 72 hours. Cleaners will use antimicrobials and UV light in their effort to kill the COVID-19 virus. The MTA says this is its most challenging task yet. 

This includes around-the-clock cleaning efforts at all facilities, including New York City Transit, the LIRR, Metro-North, and MTA Bridges and Tunnels. 

The NYPD and MTA officers will be deployed to each of the 472 subway stations to make sure everyone is out at 1 a.m., including the homeless, who the MTA says will be connected to medical care and social services. 

Gov. Cuomo says front-line workers who risk their lives to keep others safe can’t continue riding a public transit system that puts their health at risk. 

"Whoever heard of disinfecting a subway car? Well, now you learn. You are to disinfect subway cars. Figure out how to do it. So you can say to people who use the subways, don't worry it's safe. Right? That's a starting point for public transportation,” said Cuomo. 

The MTA says it will still get all essential workers where they need to go when subways close for cleaning. 

According to the MTA, 1,168 bus trips have been added under the essential plan. 

 

During overnight hours, there are typically 235 buses running, but the MTA added another 344 to that fleet to make this happen. 

However, some essential workers may not be able to use buses, so the MTA is offering the Limited Essential Connector program, which offers for-hire car service. 

Those who qualify will get one trip per night through these licensed vehicles at no cost. 

The MTA tells News 12 all buses will be free- including express buses. They say LIRR and Metro-North fares will be cross-honored within New York City. 

The MTA plans to also monitor ridership and add buses where needed.