Some good news as PSD steps up its game against maskless Red Bus riders…

Some good news as PSD steps up its game against maskless Red Bus riders…

Face mask compliance among Red Bus riders improved recently, and now RIOC’s public safety department steps up enforcement. But success is limited as long as Roosevelt Island neighbors refuse to help out.

By David Stone

The Roosevelt Island Daily News

How PSD Steps Up Its Game

Better late than never, on Monday, we found PSD adding spot checks on Red Buses, conducted by uniformed officers. On the bus we rode, an officer boarded, walked the aisle, confirming full compliance before letting the trip resume.

Meticulous, she ordered at least one passenger to raise her mask higher and cover her nose. Education plus enforcement.

While this takes pressure off drivers, the driver also pitched in. After the officer left, he handed out a face mask as a young man entered, telling him it was required.

Credit where credit’s due, Chief Kevin Brown’s department stepped up creatively. It saves lives, and if continued may get us out of pandemic restrictions sooner than later.

Walking the aisle, keeping Roosevelt Island safe.

But then…

Even as PSD steps up enforcement, we soon saw how hard it is protecting against Red Bus riders who insist on putting their neighbors at risk.

Newest addition to the Hall of Shame. Soon after PSD did its job, making sure masks were in place, another maskless rider hopped on board and rode uninterrupted to her destination.

As news of coronavirus variants increasing case loads hits front pages, stubborn resistance remains. Young people, especially those under twelve, face increasing risk while, at the same time, doctors say that the lifetime effects of long COVID are as scary as they are unknown.

PSD’s doing its part, but without good neighbors, unnecessary risks for vulnerable residents will rise.

And it’s getting near the point where you throw up your hands in frustration over the lack of cooperation. Is putting children at risk worth it for evading the minor inconvenience of wearing a face mask for a few minutes?

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