Yesterday at 3 PM, the regional transportation networks including the MTA, NJ Transit, the Port Authority, and regional bus and ferry operators) participated in #SoundtheHorn to honor transportation workers and essential workers. In total yesterday, about 4,400 vehicles across the participating agencies and systems were part of #SoundtheHorn.
As New Yorkers enter a period of extended PAUSE (yesterday, Governor Cuomo has extended the state’s restrictions and closures would continue until at least May 15), what began as spontaneous tributes to frontline workers has evolved into more coordinated events. Also yesterday was the singing of New York, New York, just following the 7 PM Clap Because We Care.
In the above video posted on Instagram by Metro North, we see a very empty central atrium in Grand Central Terminal ring out with the sound of train horns. The caption of the video states, “📣 We #SoundTheHorn in @grandcentralnyc to honor all transportation workers and to say 🙏 Thank You to our #HeroesMovingHeroes”
Despite drastically reduced ridership, Metro North, Long Island Railroad, the NYC subway and bus system have continued to operate. As of Monday this week, 59 MTA employees, mostly subway and bus operators, have died from COVID-19. “Our employees are heroes,” said MTA Chairman and CEO Patrick J. Foye. “They are courageously coming to work each day to perform their essential duties, which are critically important to this region during the pandemic. We hope this action will draw attention to their efforts and help further our employees’ spirit of solidarity with all New Yorkers.”
Amtrak, also participated sounding two one-second horn blasts at 3 PM. You can see a video above. Amtrak Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating and Commercial Officer Stephen Gardner said “Every hero deserves to be recognized and thanked for their courage, selflessness and the help they are providing to this country during this time,” said A “We are proud to participate with our partners and ‘sound our horns’ by honoring and thanking all of the heroes in the New York metropolitan area and across the nation who continue their essential and heroic service.”
Next, check out videos of New Yorkers participating in the city-wide sing-a-long of “New York, New York”. Go on a virtual tour of Grand Central Terminal!
