NYC Is Using Powerful UV Light To Kill COVID-19 Germs On Buses And Subways

New York City just launched its pilot to use UV lights for killing coronavirus germs on buses and subways. The lights, which were purchased from Denver-based start-up PURO Lighting, emit rays called UVC. These rays are a shorter wavelength of ultraviolet light and are often used for sanitizing water, special equipment, and even the inside of airplanes or hospital rooms. Now, experts believe these UVC rays may be powerful enough to kill COVID-19 germs as well.

“The UV light that will be used in the current overnight subway and bus disinfection program is very efficient in killing the virus that is responsible for COVID-19,” stated David Brenner, the director of Columbia University’s Center for Radiological Research. “What we are doing here is reducing the level of the virus in subways, and therefore decreasing the risk of anybody catching COVID-19 on the subway.”

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is currently in the first phase of the pilot, which focuses on setting up 150 mobile devices on buses, subways and subway stations. The second phase will include expanding to MetroNorth and Long Island Railroad commuter trains. It is said that this will cost The Metropolitan Transportation Authority $1 million. Let’s hope it’s as effective as believed to be!