NYC Transit Hits Record Ridership and Reliability
MTA reports highest subway ridership since pandemic and record bus reliability in first half of 2025
MTA Sets Ridership Records in First Half of 2025
New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority achieved the highest subway ridership since the pandemic and record bus reliability in the first half of 2025, officials announced Tuesday. Janno Lieber, MTA Chair and CEO, said the system's delivering record performance across all services while celebrating Disability Pride Month in July. The achievements demonstrate the transit agency's recovery from COVID-19 impacts while advancing accessibility improvements for riders with disabilities.
Recovery Milestone Reflects Post-Pandemic Growth
The ridership records mark a significant recovery milestone for the MTA, which saw dramatic declines when the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020. Officials said the strong performance across subway, bus, and commuter rail services shows riders are returning to public transit with confidence. The announcement coincides with Disability Pride Month, observed nationally each July to celebrate the contributions of people with disabilities. Quemuel Arroyo, MTA Chief Accessibility Officer, said the month reaffirms the agency's commitment to making transit accessible to all riders.
System-Wide Improvements Span Multiple Services
The MTA's achievements include the highest subway ridership since the pandemic, according to Demetrius Crichlow, Senior Vice President of Subways at New York City Transit. Frank Annicaro, Senior Vice President of Buses, said bus operators and maintenance teams achieved record reliability that's getting people where they need to go on time. Metro-North Railroad and Long Island Rail Road also reported strong performance, with Catherine Rinaldi and Robert Free, presidents of the respective commuter rail services, citing ridership growth and continued reliability improvements. Officials didn't provide specific ridership numbers or reliability percentages.
Accessibility Enhancements Continue Across Network
The MTA's accessibility improvements include enhanced elevator and escalator reliability and new accessible stations added to the system, though officials didn't specify how many stations or exact reliability percentages. Arroyo said ongoing investments in elevators, accessible stations, and customer service improvements are making a real difference in the lives of riders with disabilities. The improvements align with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, which mandate public transit agencies provide accessible service and facilities. Officials said the accessibility work ensures everyone can use the system with confidence.
Riders Benefit from Enhanced Service Reliability
The record performance means riders across the New York metropolitan area can expect more reliable service whether they're using subway, bus, or commuter rail. Lieber said the agency's committed to building on the momentum from the first half of 2025. Officials said the combination of ridership growth and reliability improvements shows customers trust the MTA to get them to their destinations safely and on time. Riders can check Moovit for real-time updates on MTA subway, bus, Metro-North, and Long Island Rail Road services.
