THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY 
OF NEW YORK
 
OFFICE OF COUNCIL MEMBER
YDANIS RODRIGUEZ
  
CITY HALL
NEW YORK, NY 10007
(212) 788-7053
 
Wednesday, May 6th, 2020
 
**STATEMENT** 
Contact: Tomas Garita  | (646) 847-6714 | TGarita @council.nyc.gov   
Improve Subway System During Overnight Closures

"The overnight closing of our subway system should come with a timeline for when stations will be evaluated and assessed. Just as the Governor has set up timelines for evaluating the reopening of our economy, the MTA should release concrete information as to the plan to sanitize the subway system and when it will restore the much needed transportation service to all New Yorkers. In addition, as we increase our efforts to clean and sanitize all subway stations, we must also start doing the same for all buildings, facilities, and institutions. We need to make sure all lobbies, common spaces, elevators, and hallways are cleaned regularly. 
The extensive 1:00 am-5:00 am subways closures provide New York City with a once in a century opportunity to improve our subway system like never before. During this time, we should be increasing signal maintenance, track work, and tunnel construction to ensure that when the City reopens we are providing New Yorkers with the best transportation services possible.
Let's take advantage of the overnight closures and ensure that the MTA redirects their resources to clean, improve, and upgrade our subways. It is imperative that this becomes a collaborative effort between the City, MTA, DOT, NYPD, and social services. Working together we will be able to address the homeless crisis by connecting homeless individuals with the resources available and bring our subway system into the 21st century. Let's ensure that when New Yorkers return to work, they won't have to worry about the issues still plaguing our transit system."

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Ydanis Rodriguez was elected to the New York City Council in 2009, representing the 10th Council District (Washington Heights, Inwood, and Marble Hill). An educator for 13 years, Ydanis co-founded Gregorio Luperon High School and the Washington Heights Health Academy. As a leading voice at the NYC Council, Ydanis has brought changes in transportation, education, economic development, housing, police reform, healthcare, environmental policy, and ensuring low-income families have an equitable path to middle class.