# The Impact of the First Deliberate Shutdown of the NYC Subway System: Roads, Rails, & Rides

Published 2020-05-06 · Updated 2026-07-23 · Professional AV on MarketScale
Canonical: https://www.marketscale.com/industries/pro-av/impact-of-shutdown-of-nyc-subway-system-roads-rails-rides

> For the first time since New York City began running 24-hour subway service, the city has completely shut down the entire subway system as a result of COVID-19. This is unprecedented, as, even during some of the most extreme weather events in recent memory, such as the blizzard of 2015, trains kept running. In this episode…

For the first time since [New York City](https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/06/us/new-york-subway-closed-history-trnd/index.html) began running 24-hour subway service, the city has completely shut down the entire subway system as a result of [COVID-19](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html).

This is unprecedented, as, even during some of the most extreme weather events in recent memory, such as the blizzard of 2015, trains kept running.

In this episode of [Roads, Rails, & Rides](https://marketscale.com/industries/podcast-network/roads-rails-rides/), host [Jeb Morris](https://marketscale.com/industries/contributors/jeb-morris/) discusses how the city came to its decision to close the transit system with [Voice of B2B Daniel Litwin](https://marketscale.com/industries/contributors/daniel-litwin/).

Even though the subway was only briefly closed in order to perform a deep clean of the transportation system and prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, its impact could be permanent.

Morris discussed the possibility that the subway will permanently require protections, such as face masks, even after a vaccine or cure for the virus is readily available.

To keep up with news, insights, and more in the transportation industry, stay tuned to [MarketScale’s Transportation publication here](https://marketscale.com/industries/transportation/).

### [Catch up on all episodes of Roads, Rails, & Rides!](https://marketscale.com/industries/podcast-network/roads-rails-rides/)

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