Survey Seeks Subway Riders' Experience During Coronavirus Crisis

NEW YORK, NY — If you still need to use public transportation during the coronavirus pandemic, transit advocates want to hear what you have to say.

A new survey from Riders Alliance is asking New Yorkers who are still using public transportation about their experience as most of the city shuts down to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

The survey will be used to tell elected officials and the MTA what New Yorkers need on their public transportation during the pandemic, Riders Alliance said.

"Much of NYC is shutting down, but many must continue riding buses and subways," the organization said. "Help us understand what is needed right now."

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The survey includes questions including what are the reasons New Yorkers are still using public transportation, what they think the MTA can do better, whether they have felt threatened while hate crimes surrounding the coronavirus spike and whether they think the MTA should increase, decrease or stop service.

It comes as city officials resist halting public transportation options for those who still need it for work or other reasons, even as the MTA seeks a $4 billion federal bailout for plummeting ridership.

The transit authority projects it will lose $3.7 billion in coming months from falling ridership and $300 million more from coronavirus expenses like cleaning subway cars, the letter states.

Ridership dropped 60 percent on the subway and 49 percent on buses on Monday compared with the same day last year, according to the letter.

Mayor Bill de Blasio has encouraged New Yorkers to avoid crowded subways and has fought back rumors that the subways will close.

You can find the survey here.