MTA outlines new employee vaccination and testing programme

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has announced that it is entering a new phase of the vaccination or testing programme in which unvaccinated employees will be required weekly to test for COVID-19 from 4 October 2021. The MTA currently has 138 on-site locations for employees to get tested. 

MTA has also announced that new hires beginning on or after 14 November 2021 must be fully vaccinated. 

These programmes are the latest steps taken by 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 that 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 that we serve,” said MTA’s Chief People Officer, Paul Fama. “In order to protect employees and to continue to provide safe and reliable transportation, it is crucial that 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 14 November 2021 or later, must be fully vaccinated. This policy does not include current MTA employees.