New York City Transit Carried More Than 5.4 Million New Yorkers on Tuesday, September 20
New York City Subways and Metro-North Railroad See Highest Ridership Numbers Since March 2020
Metro-North Carried 188,800 Riders on Tuesday, September 20, Topping Previous Record Set Wednesday, September 14
Long Island Rail Road Tuesday Ridership Approximately 100 Rides Short of Record
View Day-by-Day Ridership Data for MTA Agencies
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority set pandemic-era ridership records on the New York City subway, with 3.76 million riders yesterday, Tuesday, September 20, and MTA Metro-North Railroad with 188,800 riders, topping the previous record set on Wednesday, September 14, of 181,600. When combined with bus ridership, New York City Transit carried 5.4 million customers on Tuesday, September 20.
"Our record-breaking ridership numbers are proving what we already know: New York is back and better than ever," Governor Hochul said. "New Yorkers are returning to mass transit because they know that this is the fastest, safest, most convenient way to get around New York City and across the state, and these numbers are a great indicator that New York is back on track."
Metro-North President and Long Island Rail Road Interim President Catherine Rinaldi said, "We are thrilled to see the streets and offices in New York City fill up with workers and visitors who know that the fastest and easiest way to travel through the region is by commuter rail. People are taking advantage of our new discounts and the revamped TrainTime app that makes finding a seat, buying a ticket and getting great customer service for both railroads more convenient."
New York City Transit Senior Vice President of Subways Demetrius Crichlow said, "The increase in ridership shows that people are confident in our public transportation systems as we move back to normalcy, and New York City Transit is ready to get people to where they need to be. Mass Transit saves you time and money. It helps improve the environment and it reduces traffic congestion by keeping cars and trucks off the streets, not just in the city but in the surrounding suburbs as well."
LIRR ridership remains strong, narrowly missing another record carrying 203,900, approximately 100 riders fewer than the most recent record set on Wednesday, September 7.
The MTA continues to encourage ridership with fare discounts rolled out earlier this year. Both the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North rolled out fare offerings including a 10 percent discount for monthly passes, and a new 20-trip ticket tailored for the hybrid work schedule. The new 20-trip ticket saves riders 20 percent on regular peak one-way fares. For commuter rail riders traveling within the five boroughs the MTA also expanded City Ticket, which offers a reduced, flat fare of $5.00 for rail travel within New York City on weekends, to include all weekday off-peak trains.