The MTA has been experiencing record ridership numbers in the post-pandemic season, with a surge in subway, LIRR, and Metro-North passengers. This increase in ridership can be attributed to not only the exciting playoff season for New York sports teams like the Mets, Yankees, and Liberty but also to the improved service provided by the MTA.
In the past five weeks, the MTA has seen its top 10 days for post-pandemic ridership on the subways, with a peak of over 4.3 million customers on September 25. The LIRR carried 281,000 people on its best day, September 19, and operated at 88% of pre-COVID levels overall for the month. Similarly, Metro-North served more than 240,000 riders on September 24, its second-highest total since COVID.
The improved service quality of the MTA has also contributed to the increase in ridership. Subway service has seen the best performance in a decade, with on-time performance of more than 81% on weekdays and 84% on weekends. The commuter railroads have been even more reliable, consistently averaging on-time performance of 97% or higher.
Furthermore, the introduction of the new Student OMNY cards, which allow students to take up to four free trips a day with no time limitations all year long, has increased ridership by 26% compared to last year. This initiative has resulted in over 475,000 daily rides, showcasing the MTA’s efforts to make public transportation more accessible and affordable for New Yorkers.
Despite the recent success and growth in ridership, the MTA is also facing challenges due to aging infrastructure. As the subway system celebrates its 120th anniversary this month, it is crucial to invest in upgrading infrastructure, improving performance, and enhancing safety to ensure the subways can thrive for another 120 years.
In conclusion, the MTA’s record ridership numbers reflect not only the excitement of the playoff season but also the commitment to providing reliable and efficient public transportation services to the people of New York. By addressing current challenges and investing in the future, the MTA aims to ensure the long-term sustainability and success of the subway system for generations to come.
