Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Chairman and CEO Patrick J. Foye appeared live by phone on WCBS 880 with Steve Scott to discuss the MTA’s ongoing response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the rear-door boarding policy on all MTA buses, and the fundamental role that MTA’s transit workers are playing in bringing first responders, and essential workers to and from their jobs during the pandemic.
A transcript of the interview appears below.
Steve Scott: Let’s get a check now on how mass transit is doing during the Coronavirus outbreak. On our news line is MTA Chairman Pat Foye. Mr. Foye thank you for coming on. Let’s start with buses. We understand people can essentially ride buses ride buses for free now?
Patrick J. Foye: Here's what we've done in order to protect the health of bus operators. The MTA is intensely interested in lowering the risk for all of our employees. This morning we implemented rear door boarding on local buses. That’s about 4,200 of the 5,600 buses in the fleet. Passengers will be asked the board from the rear. We’re not changing the fare policy. And the area around the driver will be cordoned off therefore limiting contact between passengers and bus operators. That is in the interest of public health of the bus operators but also cognizant recognizing the fact that transit workers are critical first responders and are going to be a major part of bringing this city and region back.
Steve Scott: Tell us about the health status of your MTA workers. I understand more employees are getting sick?
Foye: Well, 30 MTA employees had been confirmed positive. We have medical doctors and public health officials on staff. Those employees are being treated or if appropriate undergoing a home quarantine. Our public health Office of Health Service is a monitoring their care and coordinating with personal physicians.
Steve Scott: I know you get asked this a lot, but with ridership down is there any talk of shutting down the transit system?
Foye: Shutting down the transit system? No. Period, full stop. We're not going to shut down the transit system. As the governor said, you know on more than one occasion, the MTA is going to play a fundamental role in bringing first responders, doctors, nurses, firefighters, police officers, utility workers, and transit workers to and from their jobs. That's going to be a critical role. We’re running normal weekday service today. Obviously, we’re assessing our options given the decline in ridership. But no, the MTA is going to continue during this pandemic to run subways, buses, Metro North and Long Island Railroad period.
Steve Scott: MTA Chairman, Pat Foye, we appreciate you coming on with us.
Foye: Thank you Steve.
