New Jersey Transit Receives Over 245,000 Masks for Customers

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NEWARK – New Jersey Transit received more than 245,000 cloth masks that will be made available to customers, thanks to a donation from the federal government.
According to a release, the masks were donated by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).
Last week, and continuing through the end of this week, New Jersey Transit Customer Service Ambassadors began distributing masks at numerous stations. Customers were provided with the FTA-donated cloth masks if they needed a face covering. Major terminals will maintain a limited supply of masks at customer service offices, in the event customers forget or lose their masks.
“Federal and state health officials have declared that the challenges of distancing on mass transit make wearing face coverings to stop the spread of the virus absolutely essential. Wearing a proper face covering correctly, along with every day preventive actions, helps protect your fellow riders and our frontline employees, and their masks help protect you,” stated New Jersey Transit President and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Corbett. “We thank the Trump administration, specifically U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao and Acting FTA Administrator K. Jane Williams, for this generous donation that allows us to add another layer of protection for our customers and employees.”
“It is reassuring that New Jersey Transit remains committed to taking every available measure to protect its customers. Thanks to this donation by the federal government, New Jersey Transit will be able to provide this important service,” stated Sen. Patrick Diegnan (D-18th). “Wearing a mask is the best way for New Jersey Transit to protect its customers during this public health emergency.”
In June, the federal government announced that nearly 10 million cloth masks would be distributed to 458 transit agencies and Amtrak for customer use. The cloth masks are supplemental, and customers will be responsible to have their own facial coverings. Gov. Murphy’s Executive Order 165 requires all staff and customers to wear face coverings onboard all transit vehicles and inside all stations and facilities. Masks are also required on all outdoor train platforms and bus stops when distancing is not practicable.
New Jersey Transit requires all public-facing employees to wear face coverings at all times when performing their duties.