MTA officials reminding commuters to mask up were also out showing support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month at the same time.

Across the system, MTA officials, volunteers and elected officials handed out free pink masks.

Since the start of the pandemic, the MTA has distributed millions of masks to both its employees and customers on trains, busses and subways. "Our ridership is now back to roughly 50% of what it was before the pandemic, which is a big, big improvement from where we were even a few months ago,” says Metro-North President Catherine Rinaldi.

They have vending machines with masks, and an MTA mask force sends volunteers out at least once a month to give masks to riders for free.

Last month, the MTA stepped up enforcement of its mask mandate. All riders throughout the system must wear a mask or face a $50 fine.

MTA officials say mask compliance across the network is very high at more than 95%. "I do appreciate that everyone is still masking up on the trains; I think that is extremely important," says Patricia McColgan, of Tuckahoe.

People who spoke with News 12 say this is also good opportunity to remind folks about the importance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. "Breast cancer affects millions of people, it's always on the radio, I always hear about it, so this is a good way to keep people aware," says Gregory Johnson, of Yonkers.