MTA Opens Subway for Two More Early Morning Hours, as Time for Cleaning Decreases

 As New York state’s COVID positivity and hospitalization rates continue to their downward trends, dipping below 3% for the first time since Nov. 23, today New Yorkers were able to ride the subway early in the morning for two additional hours.

   Now the subway will be closed for only two hours each night, from 2am to 4am, for cleaning, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) said.

   Since May 6, all 472 New York City stations and thousands of subway trains were closed from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. for COVID-related deep-cleaning and disinfection.

     “The continued partial suspension will allow for the most aggressive disinfection regimen in MTA history, as recommended by federal and international public health authorities such as the Centers for Disease Control, Environmental Protection Agency and World Health Organization,” MTA Chairman Pat Foye said.

    “This partial reopening supports the city’s ongoing reopening of commerce and reflects positive trends including increasing vaccinations, drops in the COVID infection and hospitalization rates, the resumption of indoor dining, extended hours for bars and restaurants, and the reopening of arenas and stadiums,” the MTA said in a statement.