Well, no one will ever accuse the Post of writing the King's English...

I read that to mean:

"In order for the actors in this kabuki theater, the transit systems have to be open and operating so that our actors can work in and around the passengers" Left unspoken is that part of the "role" that the actors play is to make people "feel" safe.

I note that some of the other exercises will be done when the system is closed. I have no issue with training that's not intended to be "for show".