'Effectively kills the virus': how MTA disinfects New York buses and metro

New York City Transportation Authority (MTA) is introducing new ways to keep city buses and subway trains clean during the COVID-19 pandemic. MTA will use ultraviolet lamps. Writes about it New York Post.

The agency will install 230 long-range ultraviolet lamps on some trains and buses, said Pat Foy, the head of the department.

“These UV lamps are effective in killing the virus that causes COVID-19,” Foy said. “We believe this is important for MTA - for our customers and employees, and for the future of our system.”

The MTA said the lamps will be used out of sight of passengers - in yards and warehouses, and when stations are closed at night.

Foy said the decision to advance the project was made after several months of testing by the MTA and Dr. David Brenner, professor of radiation biophysics and director of the Center for Radiological Research at Columbia University.

On the subject: MTA launched an application that will help find an alternative to the metro closed at night

While normal ultraviolet light is harmful to humans, softer ultraviolet light, according to Brenner, is not so dangerous. Brenner and his team tested the technology in laboratory rats for eight months and found no ill effects.

The agency will pay the company PURO Lighting $ 1 million for ultraviolet lamps. Foy emphasized that lamps are only part of a large virus control strategy.

In May, the MTA announced night shutdowns to allow frequent cleaning of wagons and buses. And Foy suggested that passengers might even need to pre-book trips through a special service to prevent future trips.

“There is significant work to be done,” Foy told reporters.