MTA COVID-19 vaccination or testing program for current employees enters new phase

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is entering a new phase of the vaccination or testing program in which unvaccinated employees will be required weekly to test for COVID-19 beginning on Oct. 4.  

The MTA currently has 138 on-site locations for employees to get tested. The authority also announced that new hires beginning on or after Nov. 14 must be fully vaccinated.  

These programs are the latest steps taken by the MTA to protect transit workers and customers of the largest transportation network in North America. The authority will continue its efforts to promote safety and public health in support of the region’s economic recovery.  

"Driving up the vaccination rate is one of the ways the MTA can protect employees and continue to provide safe and reliable transportation,” said Acting MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “The science is clear. Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself, colleagues, relatives and neighbors from COVID-19.” 

“We have a responsibility not only to our employees, but to the communities we serve,” added MTA Chief People Officer Paul Fama. “In order to protect employees and continue to provide safe and reliable transportation, it is crucial that the MTA continues to drive up the vaccination rate.”  

Vaccinations are available to employees at MTA facilities as well as pharmacies, local health departments, clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers and other locations.  

All new external hires (including temporary, contingent and seasonal employees, and paid interns) whose first day of work is on Nov. 14, 2021, or later, must be fully vaccinated. This policy does not include current MTA employees.