(a) Public areas within the terminals and stations are open to the public at such times as may be established by Metro-North from time to time. Public areas are those areas of the terminals or stations which are open for use by the public in gaining access to transportation, arcades, restaurants, shops, offices and other businesses or services in the terminals and stations, in traveling through the terminals or stations from one point to another, in waiting for transportation, and in utilizing public toilet facilities and public pay telephones or other services as may be permitted pursuant to these rules.

(b) No person except persons assigned to duty therein by Metro-North or the authority shall enter any area of a terminal, station or train that is not a public area or that is closed to the public except in a public safety capacity or pursuant to the terms of a lease, license, operating agreement or concession granted by Metro-North or the authority.

Whenever a threat to public health or safety exists in a terminal or station resulting from any cause, the general superintendent or any Metro-North employee having authority to do so may close the affected terminal or station or any part thereof to the public to ensure the safety and well-being of the public.

(d) Noncommercial activities within the stations and terminals are deemed to be authorized provided that such activities:

Applications for permits to conduct noncommercial activities within Grand Central terminal may be obtained at the general superintendent's office in Grand Central terminal between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Such permits will be granted on a first come, first served basis to individuals completing the appropriate permit application and agreeing to abide by these rules as well as any conditions contained in the permit application. Permits may specify as conditions to their use the location within the terminal, the amount of space allocated and the time or times for which they are valid, as well as the maximum number of people covered by the permit and the size and number of tables, chairs, signs, posters or like equipment, if any, allowed at that time and location. Permit applications may require information that identifies the permittee or permittees, and any sponsoring organization, other information designed to determine that there will be compliance with these rules and regulations and the above permit conditions, and may also require an acknowledgment or release from liability for any injury that may result from the exercise of rights under the permit. Metro-North may charge a fee to permit applicants to cover its administrative costs, but in no event shall such charge exceed $5. Permits may be suspended or vacated for emergencies and for violation of the prohibitions and conditions contained in the permit application and these rules.

(e) The maximum amount of time in any calendar day that a person may use benches, chairs or other furniture designed for sitting in the public or designated ticketed passenger-only areas of any terminal or station is 90 minutes, provided that Metro-North may extend such time period in instances of significant delay or other exigent circumstances.

(f) Shelters on train platforms are for the sole use of customers waiting to board a train who may remain in the shelter no more than 90 minutes in any calendar day, provided that Metro-North may extend such time period in instances of significant delay or other exigent circumstances.

(g) All persons in a terminal, station or train shall comply with all lawful orders and directives of any police officer, peace officer or any Metro-North Railroad or authority employee acting within the scope of their employment, including one pursuant to an order or directive issued by the Governor of the State of New York pursuant to a State disaster emergency relating to public health or an order or directive issued by the authority that includes requiring the wearing of masks or face coverings by any individual who is over the age of two and is able to medically tolerate a face-covering. Masks or face coverings must be worn in a manner covering the nose and mouth. Any person who does not comply with such an order or directive requiring wearing of masks or face coverings in a manner covering the nose and mouth may be barred from entering, or be ejected from, any terminal, station, or train, in addition to a fine of $50.