Metro-North, LIRR Experience Record On-Time Performance

Metro-North Railroad had the best month in its history on its East of Hudson service with a nearly perfect on-time performance of 99.3% on Hudson, Harlem, and New Haven Lines.

Metro-North was able to achieve the record on-time performance while still maintaining its aggressive infrastructure program, with crews working to complete a major switch replacement project on Grand Central Terminal’s upper level.

In addition to the infrastructure work, the railroad navigated two major snow events. Combined with January’s 98.5% on-time performance on East of Hudson service, the first two months of 2024 are a record for Metro-North trains operating on time.

“New York leads the nation in public transportation, and our commuter rail network is moving New Yorkers at a record pace,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “Mass transit is the most reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible way to travel, and we will continue our significant investments in commuter rail to make it even better.”

Record Success at LIRR

The LIRR’s 96.3% on-time performance was the best mark the railroad has posted for the month of February since 2012.

The February 2024 record includes 6,400 more monthly trains, as the railroad added a historic 271 trains per day to its schedule to accompany the opening of Grand Central Madison last year.

“Last February we completely rebuilt the schedule, adding a historic level of trains for the opening of Grand Central Madison. One year later, we post record our best February in 12 years,” said Rob Free, acting LIRR president. “So much work goes unnoticed every day to make sure the hundreds of daily trains run on time. It is further proof that the best way to travel on Long Island is the LIRR.”

Metro-North Success

The record month for Metro-North featured two days in which 100% of trains operated on time.

The railroad’s West of Hudson Pascack Valley Line also reported strong on-time performance for February with 97.2% of trains operating on time. These performance trends have continued March, with Metro-North trains operating 100% on time on March 9 and 10.