New York Commuters Get on Track, as they Return to Rails in Record Numbers

By Yehudit Garmaise

More commuters rode the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) and Metro-North Railroad last week than any time since March 12, 2020, said Gov. Kathy Hochul, who characterized New Yorkers return to the rails as a great sign of the city’s recovery.

The Metro-North Railroad saw record ridership on May 10, when the number of New Yorkers who took the train was 158,798, or 61% of 2019’s daily average.

The next day, on May 11, the LIRR saw 178,100 riders, which recovered 62% of 2019’s daily ridership average. 

"Strong and dynamic transportation infrastructure is key to our recovery, and we are working hard to maintain our progress in returning to pre-pandemic levels," Gov. Hochul said. "This ridership milestone sends a strong message that New York's comeback is right on track, and our mass transit systems will continue to power our economic recovery."  

The surge in commuter train ridership follows reduced fares for both the LIRR and Metro-North, which since March 1, have offered a 10% discount for monthly passes and a 20-trip ticket that saves 20% on regular peak one-way fares.

In addition, City Ticket, which offers a reduced, flat fare for rail travel within New York City on weekends, now includes all weekday off-peak trains for $5. 

On January 3, the LIRR also restored several peak trains in both directions, and on March 27, Metro-North added an additional 14 Hudson, 18 Harlem, and 34 New Haven Line weekday trains. 

"Customers are returning to the rails for work, school, and to enjoy all that the New York metropolitan area has to offer, MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said. “The ridership milestones we reached this week are further evidence of the region's comeback and the pivotal role transit plays in powering our economic recovery.”

Photo Credit: Flickr