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The subway: Can't live with, can't live without it. That pretty much sums up the relationship between New Yorkers and their transit system—which can be, let's just say, a challenge to deal with on any given day, let alone during a pandemic.
The MTA has responded to the current crisis by requiring riders to wear masks, disinfecting trains daily (by among other things, blasting them with powerful UV rays) and posting bright yellow signage to remind passengers to social distance while riding.
Arguably the most important additions to the system are decals found on the edge of the platform and in front of MetroCard machines, marking six feet of distance for people to stand on. In what, perhaps, is an acknowledgement that humans aren't the only ones who ride the subway, the MTA has also included symbols for animals.
As captured by photographer Ryan Lahiff for a story in Untapped Cities, these markers depict pairs of horseshoes, hoof and paw prints, along with representations of soles for various kinds of footwear (high heels, sneakers).
Intentionally or not, the MTA reminding us that our furry and feathered friends use the subway for their own purposes as well. Rats and bedbugs call it home, and pigeons (and the occasional raccoon) are known to hop on a ride at times. (Maybe because they're in a hurry to get somewhere?). Then, of course, there are people who bring dogs along with them and, although they are supposed to keep them in carriers, rarely actually do.
Whether useful or not, one thing is certain: the MTA is trying to keeps thing light during dark times—and we appreciate that.
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