Three out of four straphangers believe the MTA’s costly cleaning and disinfecting regimen makes them safer on transit, according to an agency survey obtained by The Post — despite scientific evidence that COVID-19 primarily spreads through the air.
The survey of 15,000 self-selected transit customers found 31 percent of respondents agreeing that spic-and-span subways and buses make them “feel safe when using transit.” Another 45 percent strongly agreed.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo and transit officials instituted “24/7” subway cleaning in the spring as ridership cratered in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the time, Cuomo warned the virus could survive for three days on plastic and steel surfaces commonly found on trains and buses. Scientists have since concluded the virus “does not spread easily” through surfaces.
The MTA has persisted with its disinfecting strategy, however, arguing that even the smallest threat of catching the virus deters potential riders.
“Our cleaning program has always been about doing everything we can to ensure the system is clean and safe — but also demonstrating how seriously we take this responsibility of keeping the system clean and our riders safe,” Interim Transit President Sarah Feinberg said in a statement.
“We will continue to do everything we can to help beat the virus and ensure our system continues to set the standard on pandemic response.”
Train cleanliness, however, did not even crack the top 10 most important parts of the ridership experience cited by respondents to the survey, which was conducted in July, August and September.
The top concern cited by customers was “others covering their faces” — followed by “safety in relation to health on trains” and safety from crime and harassment.
Transit advocates have dismissed the MTA’s cleaning effort as costly “hygiene theater” and called for a return to 24-hour subway service.
“Riders themselves understand that what matters most is mask compliance and social distancing, and not hygiene theater,” said Nick Sifuentes of the Tri-State Transportation Campaign.
“Essential workers need nighttime subway service, and meeting their needs is more important than hygiene theater. Customers recognize this.”
The MTA has spent $353 million on COVID-related cleaning and non-cleaning costs, a spokesperson said. Overall, the survey found 53 percent overall customer satisfaction — compared to 46 percent during the same period in 2019 and 34 percent in 2018.
Hofstra University public health professor Dr. Anthony Santella said officials are right to keep up the intensive cleaning.
“While scientists’ best estimates or hypotheses are that we’re not seeing a lot of transmission through high-touch surfaces, it doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t be doing it,” he said.
“A lot of people aren’t going to get on any form of public transportation if they feel their health is compromised. Part of it is optics — making sure people feel safe and know their public health is accounted for.”
