NYC MTA Honors Veterans Keeping Transit Moving
MTA holds Veterans Day ceremony at Grand Central Terminal honoring veteran employees
MTA Honors Veterans at Grand Central Ceremony
The MTA held a Veterans Day ceremony at Grand Central Terminal's Vanderbilt Hall on November 11, honoring the thousands of veterans who work for and ride the transit system daily. The 11:00 AM event featured remarks from agency leadership, military vehicle displays including a Humvee and military Jeep, and multimedia tributes to those who've served. "The MTA is proud to salute the thousands of veterans who work for us and ride with us every day," Janno Lieber, MTA Chair and CEO, said.
Veterans Bring Military Skills to Transit Workforce
The MTA employs thousands of veterans across its agencies, with hundreds working at the Long Island Rail Road alone, according to agency officials. "Veterans bring invaluable skills, discipline, and dedication to our workforce," Richard Davey, President of New York City Transit, told attendees. The agency didn't release specific veteran employment numbers by department. Transit agencies typically value veterans for their training in logistics, safety protocols, and crisis management—skills that translate directly to operating complex transportation networks serving millions of daily riders.
Multiple Agency Leaders Recognize Service Members
Catherine Rinaldi, President of Metro-North Railroad, said the railroad is "fortunate to have many veterans on our team" during the ceremony. Rob Free, President of Long Island Rail Road, noted that veterans "bring their military training and values to our railroad every day." Frank Annicaro, Senior Vice President and Chief Safety & Security Officer for the MTA, spoke as a veteran himself about working "alongside so many fellow veterans at the MTA." Officials didn't specify how many veterans attended the ceremony or provide ridership data for veteran customers across the system.
Annual Tradition Continues for Transit Agency
The November 11 ceremony continues the MTA's annual tradition of recognizing Veterans Day with special events and tributes. The agency released photos and video documenting the commemoration on the same day as the event. Officials said veterans' "commitment to service continues in their work to keep our transit system safe and secure for millions of customers every day," though they didn't announce plans for future Veterans Day observances or ongoing veteran recruitment initiatives.
Recognition Highlights Veterans' Transit Contributions
The ceremony recognized veterans' dual role as both MTA employees and customers throughout the New York metropolitan area. Agency officials said the tribute demonstrates ongoing appreciation for military service members who contribute to the region's transportation network. Riders can check Moovit for real-time updates on MTA services across subway, bus, and commuter rail lines serving the New York area.
