One Billionth Subway Rider of 2023 Celebrated

By Yehudit Garmaise

New Yorkers are returning to riding the subway after a few years of the pandemic and despite continued high crime.

Six weeks before the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) marked one billion trips at the end of 2022, yesterday morning, the one-billionth rider used his debit card to tap into the subway system. 

The billionth subway rider of 2023 was Brian Jones, of Teaneck who recently returned to commuting to his NYC office after working remotely for three years.

To celebrate Jones after he pushed through the subway turnstile, the MTA presented the rider with a $100 OMNY value card, an OMNY t-shirt, an NYCT subway map glasses cleaner, and an OMNY button. 

“I come from New Jersey, so I stop and have a cup of coffee in the terminal upstairs before I jump into my meetings,” said Jones. “The subway has always been a part of my day and will continue to be a part of my day. It’s great to experience these improvements as the journey continues.”