The Metropolitan Transportation Authority will require all new hires at the sprawling agency to be vaccinated before starting their jobs beginning in mid-November, officials there announced Friday.

The new rule, which goes into effect Nov. 14, will also continue the MTA’s current mandate for existing employees, which requires they undergo weekly testing for COVID-19 unless they present proof of vaccination.

The pandemic has killed more than 170 MTA employees so far.

“The science is clear. Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself, colleagues, relatives and neighbors from COVID-19,” said Janno Lieber, the agency’s acting chairman and CEO.