The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced on Friday, Oct. 1, that it is entering a new phase of the COVID-19 vaccination / testing program whereby unvaccinated employees will be required to test weekly for COVID-19, beginning Monday, Oct. 4. The MTA currently has 138 on-site locations where employees can get tested.

The agency also announced that any new hires, beginning on or after Sunday, Nov. 14, must be fully vaccinated. MTA officials said these were the latest steps being taken by the MTA to protect transit workers and customers of the largest transportation network in North America. They said the MTA will continue its efforts to promote safety and public health in support of the region’s economic recovery.

Acting MTA chair and CEO, Janno Lieber, said the MTA is an industry leader in protecting the health and safety of transit workers. “The science is clear; vaccines are the best way to protect yourself, colleagues, relatives and neighbors from COVID-19,” he said.

Meanwhile, MTA chief people officer, Paul Fama, said, “We have a responsibility not only to our employees, but to the communities we serve. In order to protect employees, and continue to provide safe and reliable transportation, it is crucial that the MTA continues to drive up the vaccination rate.”

MTA officials said vaccinations were available to employees at MTA facilities as well as at pharmacies, local health departments, clinics, federally qualified health centers and other locations.

They also said that the new, external hires, who must be fully vaccinated when they start their first day of work on or after Nov. 14, 2021, includes temporary, contingent and seasonal employees, and paid interns. The policy does not include current MTA employees.