NYC Transit Ridership Climbs as MTA Cuts Costs $115M
MTA reports ridership up to 74% of pre-pandemic levels, cuts operating costs by $115M
MTA Ridership Rises as Costs Drop $115M
New York City transit riders are seeing the benefits of improved MTA performance as the agency reported ridership increases across all services in the second quarter of 2025. Operating expenses came in $115 million below budget, Janno Lieber, MTA Chair and CEO, announced July 30. The agency's achieved $240 million toward its $500 million savings goal, though officials didn't specify where all the savings came from.
Recovery Reaches 74% of Pre-Pandemic Levels
The ridership gains mark continued recovery from pandemic lows when service dropped more than 90%. Systemwide ridership reached 74% of pre-pandemic levels in the second quarter, according to the MTA. Weekday subway ridership consistently exceeded 3.5 million trips, Demetrius Crichlow, Senior Vice President of the Department of Subways, said. Metro-North Railroad performed strongest among commuter services, reaching 80% of pre-pandemic ridership, Catherine Rinaldi, President of Metro-North Railroad, told reporters. The MTA serves 15.3 million people across New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut.
Savings Progress Addresses Budget Challenges
The $240 million in savings represents nearly half the agency's $500 million target designed to address its budget deficit. Kevin Willens, Chief Financial Officer, said the agency achieved the savings while maintaining service levels. Officials didn't provide a timeline for reaching the full savings goal or specify the total deficit amount. The cost reductions come as federal COVID-19 relief funding expires, requiring transit agencies nationwide to achieve financial sustainability. Nicole Gelinas, Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute, said the MTA's ability to reduce operating costs while maintaining service is crucial for long-term sustainability, though the agency still needs to address structural budget challenges.
Implementation Reflects Ongoing Efficiency Push
The financial results were presented to the MTA Board on July 23 before the public announcement July 30. The improvements reflect efficiency initiatives the agency launched in 2024 to close budget gaps. Officials said the focus on operational efficiency and service quality is bringing customers back to transit. Specific details about future cost-reduction measures weren't available by publication time.
Riders See Benefits of Growing System
The ridership recovery benefits the region's economy and environment as more people choose transit over driving, Lisa Daglian, Executive Director of the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA, said. Betsy Plum, Executive Director of Riders Alliance, said growing ridership shows New Yorkers want and need reliable public transit, and the MTA must continue investing in service improvements. Riders can track real-time service updates and plan trips across all MTA services using Moovit, which provides current information for subways, buses, and commuter rail throughout the system.
