Free Metro-Cards, passes on Metro-North, LIRR in bid to get more people vaccinated

NEW YORK - In an effort to increase vaccinations across New York State, free tickets are being offered in exchange for getting vaccinated.

From May 12- May 16, the MTA is rolling out a pilot program of free Metro Cards, Metro-North and Long Island Rail Road tickets for anyone receiving a vaccination at certain subway, LIRR and Metro-North hubs.

"Get a shot and take a free ride on the MTA," announced Cuomo. "On LIRR and Metro-North, get two, free, one-way trips anywhere in the service area. You get a free seven-day, unlimited MetroCard for everyone."

The governor, flanked by the heads of NYC Transit and the MTA, said that the state has seen a worrisome drop in vaccinations.

"The vaccination rate has declined. This is not a New York phenomenon. This is a nationwide phenomenon," said Cuomo.

Those choosing not to get vaccinated are mostly young Americans and those doubtful of the safety of the vaccine, added the governor.

Anyone wanting a vaccination can get the Johnson and Johnson single-dose shot at various walk-up sites. Each site can accommodate up to 300 people per day:

Penn Station - 34th Street Corridor

Open: 3 PM - 8 PM

Grand Central Terminal - Vanderbilt Hall

Open: 8 AM - 1 PM

East 180th Street (Bronx)

Open: 8 AM - 1 PM

179th Street (Queens)

Open: 8 AM - 1 PM

Coney Island (Brooklyn)

Open: 8 AM - 1 PM

Broadway Junction (Brooklyn)

Open: 3 PM - 8 PM

Hempstead (LIRR)

Open: 3 PM - 8 PM

Ossining (Metro-North)

Open: 3 PM - 8 PM

On May 7, the NYC subway system saw a record 2.23 million riders, the most on a single day since the pandemic began. 

Also on May 7, LIRR hit a pandemic high of 101,600 riders. Metro-North saw 83,100 trips on the same day, a new pandemic weekday high.