NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- During his daily briefing on Monday, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that the city would open 20 new miles of busways and bus lanes as a way to help commuters social distance as the city kicked off Phase 1 of the reopening.
"We are finally here," de Blasio, as up to 400,000 New Yorkers may head back to work this week.
According to the mayor, 750,000 New Yorkers will have more service, and there will be less crowding.
There will also be five new busways in New York City launching on an urgent basis between June and October.
The busways will launch on a one-year trial basis.
There will also be four new bus lanes, mayor de Blasio announced.
"We will watch out for you, if you see something wrong we want to make sure it is addressed immediately," he said.
The mayor also announced that the Staten Island Ferry will now begin to run every 20 minutes.
There will also be approximately 800 NYPD school safety agents deployed throughout MTA system at high-priority stations.
The city will continue to provide face coverings and promote social distancing.
"It will not be business as usual, there's work to be done," de Blasio said. "We're going to help make sure working people are safe."
On Sunday night, he announced late that alternate side parking suspending through June 21.
WHO IS GOING BACK TO WORK?
400,000 New Yorkers who work in the following industries may head back to work:
-Construction
-Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting
-Retail - (Limited to curbside or in-store pickup or drop off)
-Manufacturing
-Wholesale Trade
WHAT WILL CHANGE WITH RESTAURANTS?
Nothing. Restaurants and bars will remain available only for pick-up and delivery. In Phase 2, they will be able to offer outdoor table seating.
WILL STORES REOPEN?
Yes -- but delivery, curbside, and in-store pickup service only for the following types of businesses:
-Direct Selling Establishments
-Electronics and Appliance Stores
-Electronic Shopping and Mail-Order Houses
-Furniture and Home Furnishing Stores
-Florists
-General Merchandise Stores
-Health and Personal Care Stores
-Jewelry, Luggage, and Leather Goods Stores
-Lawn and Garden Equipment and Supplies Stores
-Office Supplies, Stationery, and Gift Stores
-Used Merchandise Stores
-Shoe Stores
-Sporting Goods, Hobby, Musical Instrument and Book Stores
-Other Miscellaneous Store Retailers
HOW DOES PHASE 1 AFFECT THE SUBWAY?
The MTA will reverse bus and subway service cuts it implemented at the start of the pandemic. Overnight closures on the subway will remain so the car can get disinfected. Social distancing markers have already been placed on the platforms of some stations. Hand sanitizing stations will also be scattered throughout the system.
