NYC’s 24/7 subway service is back after year of COVID-19 shutdowns

New York City’s subways resumed 24/7 service Sunday, more than a year after Gov. Andrew Cuomo instituted nightly shutdowns to facilitate COVID-19 cleaning.

The nightly shutdowns initially ran from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m., before being shaved down to 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. in February. The closures attracted the ire of transit advocates, who accused the MTA of leaving thousands of New Yorkers without a way home. “There will be no more closure going forward, and the city that never sleeps is again going to have 24/7 subway service,” MTA Chairman Pat Foye said during an appearance Sunday at 59th Street-Columbus Circle station. “This is a special moment for the city.”