Traffic & Transit
MTA Considers Subway Reservation System Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
As the MTA grapples with maintaining social distancing in its notoriously cramped system, said CEO Pat Foye, "We're looking at everything."
NEW YORK CITY — New Yorkers may never again elbow their way onto a crowded subway car, forced instead to reserve a spot online, according to Metropolitan Transportation Authority chief Pat Foye.
Foye, quizzed during a radio interview Wednesday morning on the future of the MTA amid the new coronavirus, admitted the future of the subways remains unclear.
"Are you looking at the possibility of making people reserve a spot on a train or a bus?" asked 1010 WINS journalist Brigitte Quinn.
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"We're looking at everything," Foye replied. "Everything is on the table."
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The MTA faces a complex challenge to protect riders from the potentially fatally pandemic — spurring the historic shutdown of late-night service — while battling an $8.5 billion budget crisis caused by decreased ridership.
Potential solutions will likely come from New York City business leaders, whom the MTA is asking to consider staggered work hours and work-from-home options, Foye said.
"Frankly, many of members of which are already contemplating that," the MTA CEO said. "I don't think we're going to have, in the short term, the levels of passenger volumes that we had."
Some midtown stations have already seen new markers to help riders keep a safe social distance, a measure Foye said could be expanded systemwide.
The MTA will also consider amping up its surveillance system to monitor and control crowds in subway cars, stations and buses, Foye said.
While Foye could not confirm specifics, he warned New York City commuters not to expect a return to their normal rush hour journeys anytime soon.
"Obviously, social distance, wearing a mask and staying 6 feet away is going to be nearly impossible," said Foye.
"We're looking at what every other agency is doing and figuring out how we can adopt that and make it fit New York City."
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