New York’s The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has asked for a federal bailout of $4 billion because of the growing cost of the novel coronavirus.

MTA Chairman Patrick Foye, in a letter to New York’s congressional delegation Tuesday, said the authority estimates it will lose $3.7 billion in fare revenue as ridership has plummeted since the start of outbreak early this month and is expected to stay at a low level for six months.

Average daily ridership has fallen on the subway by 60% and on New York City buses by 49%, he said. Ridership on the Long Island Rail Road has dropped by 67% and 90% for Metro-North ridership. Metro-North serves New York’s Westchester County, which has a large number of coronavirus cases.

“The stark reality is that as more people stay home following the advice of medical experts, the MTA is facing financial calamity,” Mr. Foye wrote. He said the cost of cleaning and sanitizing the state-controlled transit system is expected to cost a further $300 million.

Rep. Tom Suozzi, a Democrat from Long Island, said he supports the MTA’s request. “I am 100% for figuring out how to deliver more to New York state,” he said. “We are already the largest net donor of any state in America. We must constantly fight for our fair share.”