'Operation Respect' Urges Mask Wearing On MTA

NEW YORK CITY — Expect more than just side eye if you step aboard a New York City subway or bus without a mask.

A new campaign unveiled by MTA on Monday frames mask wearing as a matter of "respect." It's even in the name: Operation Respect.

"Wearing a mask is the single most important thing all our customers and employees can do to combat the spread of COVID-19 and continue flattening the curve here in New York — and it’s the law," said MTA Chairman and CEO Patrick J. Foye in a statement. "Every MTA customer can be a part of Operation Respect, sending a clear message that their health and safety and that of everyone around them is important."

The campaign will encourage face coverings — which, again, are required by law — through a "Mask Force" of hundreds of volunteers passing out masks to bus and subway passengers, according to a release. They'll have an additional one million masks to pass out, thanks to a state donation.

These mask-planting Johnny Appleseeds aren't alone. Famed actor Rosie Perez is lending her New York-accented voice to PSAs encouraging riders to show respect by weraing a face covering, a release states.

"What’s up, New York?" Perez will say on the PSAs, the release states. "When you’re riding a train or bus, wear a mask. Show your fellow riders respect. And, it’s the law. Do the right thing. It’s up to us, New York.”

MTA also plans to start a pilot program that will put surgical mask dispensers on buses starting Friday on Bx12 SBS and the Bx41 SBS lines.

Officials also will add another personal protective equipment vending machine at the

Additionally, the rollout of machines that vend personal protective equipment (PPE) at the 149 Street-Grand Concourse station in the Bronx, a release states. MTA has already rolled out similar machines across the subway system.

Bridge and Tunnel officers will join MTA officers on subways and buses to check compliance, the release states.

About 95 percent of bus riders and 90 percent of subway passengers wear masks, according to the MTA.