NYC LIRR Hits Record 1.8M Riders During Ryder Cup

LIRR carries 1.8M passengers in seven days as Ryder Cup tournament draws crowds

LIRR Hits Record 1.8M Riders in Ryder Cup Week

Long Island Rail Road riders set a seven-day record during Ryder Cup Week, with more than 1.8 million trips taken between September 22 and 28, Governor Kathy Hochul announced September 29. The milestone broke the LIRR's previous weekly ridership record, though officials didn't disclose the prior figure. The achievement came as the international golf tournament drew crowds to Bethpage Black Course on Long Island.

Major Events Drive Transit Demand

The record demonstrates public transportation's role in supporting large-scale sporting events in the New York metro area, officials said. The LIRR serves Long Island and connects to Manhattan through Penn Station and the recently opened Grand Central Madison terminal. Transit agencies typically see ridership spikes during major events, when parking constraints and traffic congestion make rail service more attractive. The 1.8 million riders included both regular commuters and Ryder Cup attendees, though officials didn't provide a breakdown of passenger types.

Infrastructure Investments Enable Capacity

"This ridership milestone demonstrates that when we invest in our transit infrastructure and provide reliable service, people choose public transportation," Janno Lieber, Chair and CEO of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, said in the announcement. The LIRR maintained service quality during the record-breaking week, though specific operational adjustments weren't detailed. Rob Free, President of the Long Island Rail Road, said employees "worked tirelessly to ensure that both our regular commuters and Ryder Cup attendees had a seamless travel experience."

Record Set During Tournament Week

The seven-day record period coincided with Ryder Cup Week, when matches took place September 26 at the Bethpage Black Course. The LIRR's recent infrastructure expansion, including the 2023 opening of Grand Central Madison, increased the system's capacity to handle major events. Officials didn't specify whether additional trains were operated or schedules adjusted for tournament attendees.

Transit Proves Reliable for Events

"The Long Island Rail Road's record-breaking ridership during Ryder Cup Week is a testament to the critical role public transportation plays in supporting major events and keeping our region moving," Governor Hochul said. The achievement shows the LIRR can handle increased demand while serving regular commuters. Riders can check Moovit for real-time LIRR schedules and service updates throughout the system's Long Island and Manhattan routes.