“L.I. highest vaccination rate in state” (Robert Pelaez – May 28) could be good news for LIRR riders.
This follows federal Center for Disease Control’s new guidance. It significantly lifted the requirements for wearing masks both indoors and outdoors. Transit agencies were instructed to keep the mandatory mask requirements in place until Sept. 13. Does this really make sense for everyone who rides the LIRR? A majority of Long Island residents are now fully vaccinated. Many more who have not been vaccinated already have immunity from previous exposure to the COVID-19 virus.
Since April, it has become easy to obtain a vaccine. In many cases, you can just walk in without an appointment at numerous locations. Most people who want a vaccine have gotten one. To entice the remaining unvaccinated, people are now offered all sorts of free gifts and incentives. As a nation, we are well on our way toward meeting President Biden’s goal of 200 million Americans being fully vaccinated by July 4th, Independence Day. It is time for the MTA and LIRR to ask the CDC to reconsider their most recent guidance when it comes to the Line of the Dashing Dan.
I would propose that the LIRR begin lifting restrictions on all riders needing to wear a mask starting on Tuesday, July 5.
First, the LIRR should conduct a survey of riders during June. Find out how many riders have actually been vaccinated or have immunity from previously being infected by COVID-19.
Use the Quiet Car as a model. On Tuesday, July 5, designate the first car on any LIRR train as mask optional so long as you provide identification that you have been vaccinated. Ask riders in the first car to show the conductor their COVID-19 card as documentation.
In the following weeks and months, the LIRR — based upon demand and rates of vaccinations — can add additional cars. It is now easy to determine seating capacity by car thanks to the LIRR investment in new communication technology for riders. This includes digital screens, station announcements and apps, which all detail real-time seat availability for approaching trains by commuters’ location.
Over time, more cars can be designated as mask optional. Someday we will reach the point when there is only one car reserved for those who still want to wear and only be around those who wear masks.
CDC periodically updates and modifies mask requirements. Why should all LIRR riders have to wait until Sept. 13 for another round of new CDC guidance? The LIRR has spent millions in daily cleaning, disinfecting and installing state-of-the-art air ventilation equipment. This might assist the LIRR in bringing back thousands of riders who still do not feel comfortable riding the trains.
Larry Penner
Great Neck
(Larry Penner is a transportation advocate, historian and writer who previously worked for the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 New York Office.
