NYC Subway Ridership Surges 7.7% in 2025
NYC subway ridership rose 7.7% to 1.3 billion trips as congestion pricing shifts travel
NYC Subway Ridership Grows 7.7% in 2025
New York City subway ridership jumped 7.7% in 2025, reaching nearly 1.3 billion trips as congestion pricing pushed more commuters underground, according to a new report. The Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA released data Tuesday showing ridership grew from 1.21 billion in 2024, with weekend trips surging 9.4%. Most of the 39 stations with increases exceeding 20% were outside Manhattan, officials said.
Congestion Pricing Drives Transit Shift
The PCAC attributes the ridership surge to congestion pricing implementation and continued fare evasion enforcement efforts. The data suggests riders are increasingly choosing transit over driving for discretionary trips, not just work commutes. Morning rush hour ridership grew just 7.1%, indicating commuters were already using transit before congestion pricing took effect. The report shows return-to-office trends have plateaued and no longer drive ridership growth, with weekend and leisure travel now fueling the increase.
Brooklyn Station Tops Weekend Growth
The Bedford Avenue L train stop in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, recorded the highest weekend ridership increase among all stations, surpassing even Times Square. Weekend ridership's 9.4% growth outpaced the overall 7.7% increase, demonstrating congestion pricing's success in encouraging discretionary transit use. The PCAC compiled the comprehensive analysis using MTA ridership data across all 472 subway stations. Officials said the 39 stations with more than 20% growth were concentrated in outer boroughs rather than Manhattan's central business district.
Outer Borough Stations See Biggest Gains
Stations outside Manhattan dominated the list of locations with the strongest ridership growth, reflecting changing travel patterns across the city. The PCAC report shows the 1.3 billion trips in 2025 represent a significant recovery and expansion of subway use beyond pre-pandemic commuting patterns. Officials said the data demonstrates congestion pricing has successfully shifted transportation choices for New Yorkers making discretionary trips throughout the week.
What Riders Need to Know
The ridership increase means more crowded trains during peak weekend hours, particularly at popular outer borough stations. Officials said the growth pattern shows transit is becoming the preferred choice for leisure and shopping trips, not just work commutes. Riders can track real-time subway arrivals and plan trips across NYC's expanding transit network using Moovit. The MTA hasn't announced whether additional service will be added to accommodate the higher weekend ridership levels.
