MTA: Ridership across the city is highest since ‘recovery’ started, masks not required at outdoor platforms

A big takeaway from the June board meeting that will affect New Yorkers is that masks will no longer be required at outdoor platforms, but will be mandatory when on indoor platforms.

News 12 Staff

Jun 23, 2021, 9:41 PM

Updated 1,269 days ago

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The Metropolitan Transportation Authority held a board meeting Wednesday to address mask updates and crime on public transportation. Now, it says ridership all over the city is the highest it's been since the recovery process began. 
A big takeaway from the June board meeting that will affect New Yorkers is that masks will no longer be required at outdoor platforms, but will be mandatory when on indoor platforms. 
The MTA’s safety officer says they will still not be doing cash transactions in subway booths, which is something the president of TWU Local 100 says continues to be an inconvenience for subway riders--since there are cash transactions for Metro-North and LIRR riders. 
The MTA also says a jump in felony assaults and burglaries have been a topic of concern. According to the MTA Chief of Police, there have been 15 assaults this year, including on officers making arrests and on conductors. 
Safety leaders say major subway felonies are up 81 incidents from May of last year with increases in robberies and assaults. 
The agency says it is working with the NYPD to increase patrols.