NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- The MTA is stepping up enforcement of mask-wearing on its buses and subways, but so far they’re mostly handing out masks instead of fines.
WINS followed the enforcement efforts Thursday, just a day after announcing those who refuse to comply risk an increased chance of receiving a $50 fine.
Most on a crowded train from Penn Station to Jamaica were wearing their masks, but some weren’t. They weren’t fined this time around, even if they didn’t put them on, or put them on and took them off again.
MTA Chief Safety Officer Pat Warren said they do have a track record of cracking down, giving out 40-50 tickets overall.
“That doesn’t sound like a lot, but you have 98-100% compliance, and most people when you ask, they just forgot, or they had some rationale that was legitimate,” said Warren.
But while the penalty numbers aren't high, the amount of masks given out by the MTA are — 11.1 million since the pandemic began, officials said.
Warren noted that customers should never start a fight with a person who is refusing to comply with mask regulations. Instead, they can notify an MTA employee or police officer.
