Metro-North riders who refuse to wear masks could face a $50 fine beginning Monday.

The new rule also applies to subways, buses and the Long Island Rail Road.

MTA officials say that although more than 90% of riders already comply, the new measure will push that percentage even higher as more people return to public transportation.

Ridership numbers have continued to improve since Labor Day when it was about 78%.

Enforcement will be handled by MTA police, NYPD and officials with the Department of Bridges and Tunnels.

"A law enforcement officer will write a ticket, you will have to comply with the requirements of the ticket in terms of answering, and responding as they normally would,” says Catherine Rinaldi, president of Metro-North Railroad.

Rinaldi says those who wear mask improperly will be reminded by employees to adjust the mask for proper coverage.

"Our conductors have the ability to call the MTA police as they would for any misconduct onboard,” says Rinaldi. “The MTA police have the ability to come onboard and correct the behavior."

News 12 is told officers will first offer a free mask to anyone who doesn’t have one. If they refuse to comply, that’s when the fine could come into play.

Commuters like Frank Ruggiero of Yonkers agrees with the new mandate, saying in part, “Follow the rules. I have it on, everyone must have it on.”

Fines that go unpaid will be turned over to a collection agency.

Free masks are also available at all subway and Metro-North stations.