Offer "Mask Cars" on NJ Transit Trains
Offer "Mask Cars" on NJ Transit Trains
The Issue
What is Proposed
We ask NJ Transit to designate at least one car on each train as a "mask car," so as to maximize safety and comfort for those riders who wish to wear a mask in the presence of other riders who will also be masked at all times. Riders who do not wish to wear a mask could ride any of the other cars on board.
The end of the Transportation Safety Administration's mask mandate means that all NJ Transit trains are currently "mask optional," even as COVID-19 continues to persist and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) continues to recommend masking on public transportation.
Each "mask car" (with the possible branding of “Covered Commute”) would use the existing "Quiet Commute" cars on NJ Transit trains as a model with the following parameters:
- Riders and crew members in a designated "mask car” would be required to wear a face mask which properly covers their mouths and noses.
- Any rider who chooses not to wear a face covering would be directed to the other cars on the train, which would remain "mask optional."
Masked riders would also retain the option to ride in a “mask optional” car.
Eating and drinking would be prohibited in each designated "mask car."
- Signage would be placed in each "mask car" noting the face covering requirement and directing passengers without a mask to use the other cars on board.
This signage would be similar to that currently utilized in NJ Transit's "Quiet Commute" cars. - Enforcement would be handled in a manner consistent with the current code of conduct for passengers.
Why it Matters
People routinely ride public transit for essential purposes like getting to work and medical care. Many transit riders do not own a vehicle and may not have alternate means of getting around or the luxury of staying home. A significant number of transit users come from groups that are more susceptible to COVID-19, including senior citizens, the immunocompromised, and children under age 5 not yet eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations. Many passengers also live with someone who belongs to one of these vulnerable groups, like a parent, young child or an immunocompromised family member. For all of these riders, the value of a “mask car”—where they can meaningfully reduce their risk of exposure to COVID-19 and lessen their chances of bringing it home to those they care about—is significant.
By wearing a mask, you can lessen your risk of contracting COVID-19. However, an important part of what masking does is to help prevent exhaled coronavirus particles from becoming airborne and infecting others. Someone wearing a mask is far more protected when others around them are also masked.
Why We’re Asking About Trains Specifically
This petition focuses on NJ Transit rail because the nature of the agency’s rail operations and equipment make it easy to implement. Specifically, since its trains run with multiple cars (including one or two dedicated “quiet cars” on most weekday trains), it is possible to provide a designated “mask car” while leaving ample space for riders who may choose not to wear a mask. It does not require the purchase of new rolling stock or any retrofitting of equipment. Rather, it would simply require appropriate signage and announcements on board.
Above all else, we ask NJ Transit to at least try out this concept and evaluate it in the field.
How You Can Support This Idea
1. Sign this petition.
2. Submit feedback to the NJ Transit board of directors and make a public comment at upcoming NJ Transit board and committee meetings in person or via phone.
3. Contact your legislative representatives.
Additional information:
- Current CDC guidance for public transit (masking remains recommended as of 4/23/22): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/face-masks-public-transportation.html
- Comment thread by Dr. Vivek Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General, on why he is continuing to mask up on public transportation: https://twitter.com/surgeon_general/status/1517127494385688578?s=21&t=CzSMH-9jk_bCPM8ILp1ojg
- American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) fact sheet on masking: https://www.acgih.org/covid-19-fact-sheet-worker-resp/
Media coverage on this topic from:
NJ.com
710
The Issue
What is Proposed
We ask NJ Transit to designate at least one car on each train as a "mask car," so as to maximize safety and comfort for those riders who wish to wear a mask in the presence of other riders who will also be masked at all times. Riders who do not wish to wear a mask could ride any of the other cars on board.
The end of the Transportation Safety Administration's mask mandate means that all NJ Transit trains are currently "mask optional," even as COVID-19 continues to persist and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) continues to recommend masking on public transportation.
Each "mask car" (with the possible branding of “Covered Commute”) would use the existing "Quiet Commute" cars on NJ Transit trains as a model with the following parameters:
- Riders and crew members in a designated "mask car” would be required to wear a face mask which properly covers their mouths and noses.
- Any rider who chooses not to wear a face covering would be directed to the other cars on the train, which would remain "mask optional."
Masked riders would also retain the option to ride in a “mask optional” car.
Eating and drinking would be prohibited in each designated "mask car."
- Signage would be placed in each "mask car" noting the face covering requirement and directing passengers without a mask to use the other cars on board.
This signage would be similar to that currently utilized in NJ Transit's "Quiet Commute" cars. - Enforcement would be handled in a manner consistent with the current code of conduct for passengers.
Why it Matters
People routinely ride public transit for essential purposes like getting to work and medical care. Many transit riders do not own a vehicle and may not have alternate means of getting around or the luxury of staying home. A significant number of transit users come from groups that are more susceptible to COVID-19, including senior citizens, the immunocompromised, and children under age 5 not yet eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations. Many passengers also live with someone who belongs to one of these vulnerable groups, like a parent, young child or an immunocompromised family member. For all of these riders, the value of a “mask car”—where they can meaningfully reduce their risk of exposure to COVID-19 and lessen their chances of bringing it home to those they care about—is significant.
By wearing a mask, you can lessen your risk of contracting COVID-19. However, an important part of what masking does is to help prevent exhaled coronavirus particles from becoming airborne and infecting others. Someone wearing a mask is far more protected when others around them are also masked.
Why We’re Asking About Trains Specifically
This petition focuses on NJ Transit rail because the nature of the agency’s rail operations and equipment make it easy to implement. Specifically, since its trains run with multiple cars (including one or two dedicated “quiet cars” on most weekday trains), it is possible to provide a designated “mask car” while leaving ample space for riders who may choose not to wear a mask. It does not require the purchase of new rolling stock or any retrofitting of equipment. Rather, it would simply require appropriate signage and announcements on board.
Above all else, we ask NJ Transit to at least try out this concept and evaluate it in the field.
How You Can Support This Idea
1. Sign this petition.
2. Submit feedback to the NJ Transit board of directors and make a public comment at upcoming NJ Transit board and committee meetings in person or via phone.
3. Contact your legislative representatives.
Additional information:
- Current CDC guidance for public transit (masking remains recommended as of 4/23/22): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/face-masks-public-transportation.html
- Comment thread by Dr. Vivek Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General, on why he is continuing to mask up on public transportation: https://twitter.com/surgeon_general/status/1517127494385688578?s=21&t=CzSMH-9jk_bCPM8ILp1ojg
- American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) fact sheet on masking: https://www.acgih.org/covid-19-fact-sheet-worker-resp/
Media coverage on this topic from:
NJ.com
710
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Petition created on April 24, 2022