METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Gov. Cuomo touts rapid ridership growth on new Second Ave subway

The ridership includes customers entering and leaving 72nd Street, 86th Street, and 96th Street, and the new entrance at 3rd Ave and 63rd Street as well as customers transferring from the F Subway line to Q Subway line at 63rd Street.

February 1, 2017
Gov. Cuomo touts rapid ridership growth on new Second Ave subway

All photos via Gov. Cuomo

2 min to read


All photos via Gov. Cuomo

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced initial ridership figures for the New York MTA’s Second Avenue Subway, since the line opened in January, has grown steadily by approximately 8,000 daily riders per week, hitting 155,000 daily riders on Friday, Jan. 27.

“The Second Avenue Subway has already become an integral part of the Upper East Side and these ridership figures show just how important this expansion project is to the neighborhood and our economy,” Gov. Cuomo said. “This project is proof that government can still get big things done and these early ridership numbers send a clear message that when we deliver on our promises New Yorkers respond.”

Ad Loading...

The Second Avenue Subway expansion is part of the Gov. Cuomo’s sweeping statewide initiative to redevelop and rebuild New York’s aging infrastructure from the ground up. The comprehensive plan includes a new LaGuardia Airport, a transformational renovation of JFK Airport, completely redesigned Penn Station, the LIRR 2nd and 3rd Track projects, the new New York Bridge, and a major expansion of the Jacob K. Javits Center, as well as a complete overhaul and upgrades to the MTA's seven bridges and two tunnels in the metropolitan region.

The ridership includes customers entering and leaving 72nd Street, 86th Street, and 96th Street, and the new entrance at 3rd Ave and 63rd Street as well as customers transferring from the F Subway line to Q Subway line at 63rd Street.

The MTA also released figures for the nearby Lexington Avenue Line, a notoriously crowded line in New York City, which has reduced weekday ridership in four key stations, 68th Street, 77th Street, 86th Street, and 96th Street. According to new ridership figures, the number of daily riders entering and exiting the four Upper East Side Lexington Avenue Line Stations declined by an average of 27% on weekdays and as much as 46% during peak morning rush hours of 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., as compared to the same period last year.

“The opening of the Second Avenue Subway was a singular event, and New Yorkers have been quick to embrace the new line, with ridership climbing quickly,” said MTA interim Executive Director Ronnie Hakim. “The fact that so many daily riders are using the new line has also helped to ease crowding during the morning rush at key stations on the Lexington Avenue line, making commuting easier, faster, and better for thousands of New Yorkers.”

More Management

Cover photo for METROspectives with The Bus Coalition
Busby Alex RomanMarch 13, 2026

Inside The Bus Coalition’s Push for Stronger Federal Transit Investment

In this conversation, TBC’s Executive Director Ed Redfern, President Corey Aldridge, and Washington Representative Joel Rubin outline the coalition’s key policy priorities, the challenges facing transit agencies, and how industry stakeholders can work together to strengthen the voice of bus transit at the federal level.

Read More →
Amanda Wanke
Managementby StaffMarch 13, 2026

Des Moines DART CEO Joins Minneapolis Metro Transit

Amanda Wanke, who has worked at DART for 10 years, including the past 2½ years as CEO, will join Metro Transit as deputy chief operating officer, operations administration.

Read More →
A black, white, and red SEPTA graphic with text reading "New routes to new places."
Managementby StaffMarch 12, 2026

SEPTA to Launch New Bus Network Redesign in August

The first comprehensive overhaul of SEPTA’s bus network will expand frequent service, add routes, and phase in changes through 2027.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A CDTA bus in Albany, New York
Managementby Staff and News ReportsMarch 12, 2026

CDTA Outlines Mobility Vision at 2026 State of the Authority Event

In his first State of CDTA address as CEO, Frank Annicaro highlighted the organization’s continued focus on delivering reliable service, investing in innovation, and strengthening connections across the region.

Read More →
An up close image of WMATA priority seating sticker reminders.
Managementby StaffMarch 11, 2026

WMATA Introduces Priority Seating Reminder Pilot for Metro Riders

The agency is testing floor decals on select railcars to improve awareness of priority seating and support a more accessible transit experience.

Read More →
Cover photo for Transit Unplugged Episode 400
Managementby StaffMarch 6, 2026

Transit Unplugged Celebrates 400 Episodes

The special episode features an exclusive interview with Mark Miller, president of Constellation Software Inc. and executive chairman of the Volaris Group, who reflects on the podcast's early vision and the importance of creating a platform where transit leaders can share ideas and learn from one another.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A recent generation New Flyer Electric Bus
Managementby StaffMarch 4, 2026

NFI Group Officially Opens New Flyer All-Canadian Build Facility in Winnipeg

The CAD facility enables NFI to complete full domestic production of heavy-duty transit vehicles, including zero-emission buses, in Winnipeg for the first time in 15 years.

Read More →
Photo of public transportation system with APTA logo.
Managementby StaffMarch 4, 2026

APTA: Surface Transportation Funding Delivers 5:1 Economic Return, Supports 41,400 Jobs per $1B

The findings provide clear evidence that sustained Federal investment in public transit and passenger rail delivers significant returns for workers, communities, taxpayers, and the U.S. economy, APTA officials said.

Read More →
A photo of rail tracks in Ottawa, Canada

Building a National Framework for Transit Safety and Consistency

On a recent episode of METROspectives, METRO Magazine’s Executive Editor Alex Roman sat down with Ana-Maria Tomlinson, Director of Strategic & Cross-Sector Programs at the CSA Group, to explore a bold initiative aimed at addressing those challenges: the development of a National Code for Transit and Passenger Rail Systems in Canada.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of World Cup soccer ball.
Managementby StaffMarch 3, 2026

FTA Invests $100M to Strengthen Transit for 2026 World Cup

The funding will ensure communities can expand transit options to meet increased demand for services around stadiums.

Read More →