Get some money ready: New York buses will be paid again in a few days
'19.08.2020'
Vita Popova
Over the past five months, many New Yorkers have grown accustomed to free travel on buses. However, they will soon lose this privilege. The edition writes about it New York Post.
From the end of August, buses will only enter the front doors. Passengers will have to pay for the fare immediately upon entering. This was reported by the New York Transportation Authority (MTA).
According to MTA representatives, they have no choice but to resume collecting money for travel. The fact is that the company faced a $ 10 billion shortfall amid the coronavirus pandemic. “The reality is that we have to go back to toll collection because we have to survive as a transit agency,” said interim president Sarah Feinberg.
As a reminder, from March 20, passengers could enter MTA buses only through the back doors. In this case, no fare was charged. Such measures were part of a plan to prevent the spread of COVID-19, which also included restricting passenger access to the front of each bus.
On the subject: Needs $ 16,2 Billion: Crisis Threatens New York Metro
MTA has lost $ 159 million in bus transportation since March, Feinberg said. The company's financial gurus claim the agency is losing $ 250 million a week due to the pandemic. “Every dollar counts today, so we find it right time to resume toll collection,” Feinberg said. “The thing is, we don’t provide free services, no matter how much we want it.”
As part of a return to toll transportation, the MTA is installing plastic curtains around the driver's seats. The company plans to complete the installation of such barriers by the end of August.
The white line separating passengers from the front of the bus has been moved further away for the safety of drivers, said MTA President Craig Cipriano.
Fares will be monitored by MTA Eagle Team officers, he added. “We are in a full blown financial crisis, but opening the front door and starting toll charges will not be at the expense of anyone’s health,” Cipriano said.
On the subject: MTA is preparing to make money at full capacity and is looking for thousands of volunteers to help
Select Bus Service passengers continue to pay the fare before entering the vehicle.
We remind you that you can get on the bus only in a protective mask, you need to put it on before opening the bus doors, otherwise there is a chance to stay at the bus stop.
