MTA Gets Grant To Study How COVID-19 Spreads Through Mass Transit

Is COVID-19 spreading through mass-transit, and how quickly and effectively does it do so?

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to make waves, even with multiple vaccine options being distributed throughout the United States. There are still rising numbers in several states as they work to ensure that people can stay safe. In states like New York and California, lockdowns have been implemented several times to slow the spread. But people are still traveling, to work, to doctor’s appointments, or other travel-required actions. And now, the Federal Transit Administration has announced who would be receiving funding.

These grants will be administered through the Public Transportation COVID-19 Research Demonstration Grant Program. One of these grants is a $600,000 grant for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to study how the virus moves through two train lines. These two train lines are the Metro-North Railroad and Long Island Rail Road.

Mass Transit Transmission: Is COVID Spreading Through Trains?

Here’s how this research will work. The MTA will be the recipient of this funding. They will study “how COVID-19 travels throughout the metropolitan region by studying aerosol dispersion.” The project is being designed to improve overall passenger safety. Additionally well as to strengthen public confidence to feel comfortable returning to mass transit during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The MTA will use these funds to both conduct this important research as well as implement new technologies. These technologies include things like advanced filtration systems, with the goal of combatting the spread of aerosols within mass transit.

MTA Chief Innovation Officer Mark Dowd, spoke on this grant award, saying:

This grant from the FTA is great news for the MTA, our customers, and our workers. We intend to use it to further our work around aerosols and bring together a team of public health and transportation experts to review studies and data, and provide recommendations that will help create additional layers of safety for New Yorkers during the pandemic.”

Grants like this can help infuse many necessary funds to transportation authorities. And this can ensure that over the long-term measures can be taken to limit spread. Hopefully, these measures will ensure passengers are kept safe and healthy.

GrantWatch is happy to hear that passenger safety is being considered in the midst of this still powerful pandemic. We are also proud to list Transportation Grants on our website. These grants are open to various nonprofits and other organizations to apply. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our customer service team!