The MTA launched a new mask distribution program to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

MTA chairman and CEO Patrick Foye handed out cloth masks with a team of volunteers at the 161st Street-Yankee Stadium station.

"Mask compliance on the subway and buses, I'm happy to report, is over 98%, and the reason we're here today is to distribute additional masks," Foye said.

The MTA has put forth several mask initiatives during this last year. This mask program is aimed to continue to encourage riders to wear a mask, including children.

"The new change is 60,000 kids' masks distributed by the state of New York, which we will be handing out on the D and the 4, 5 this morning," Foye said.

Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo was on the forefront in advocating for comfortable masks for the youngest population.

"Not all of our riders are adults. We want the whole family to come back in safe, and we are welcoming them in," Arroyo said.

Volunteers will continue to pass out masks this month as part of their pop-up mask force initiative.