Schumer demands restoration of 24-hour New York subway service

by Dominick Mastrangelo - 05/02/21 8:35 AM ET

Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) is demanding that officials lift coronavirus restrictions and allow the subway system in New York City to resume 24-hour service.

The subway, which typically runs overnight, began closing between 2 and 4 a.m. during the pandemic to allow for sanitization and cleaning.

“The city that never sleeps is waking up from COVID, and so should the subway,” Schumer said, according to The Associated Press.

Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) announced last week that New York City should “fully reopen” by July 1. But the Metropolitan Transportation Authority is controlled by state officials, and an order from Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) would be needed to lift public health restrictions relating to mass transit.

De Blasio has said July 1 would be “the right time” to bring back 24-hour subway service, the AP noted.

State officials in New York estimate about half of all adults living in the city have received at least one coronavirus vaccine shot, with cases hospitalizations and deaths from the disease all falling in recent weeks.

Throughout the spring, Cuomo has statewide eased restrictions on sporting events, indoor gatherings and dining establishments.