METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Metro-North, LIRR Experience Record On-Time Performance

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.

Metro-North, LIRR Experience Record On-Time Performance

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

Photo: MTA/Patrick Cashin

2 min to read


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.

Ad Loading...

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.”

LIRR's 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.

Photo: LIRR

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.”

Ad Loading...

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.

More Rail

MTA Advances Accessibility Improvements in Brooklyn
Paratransitby StaffJune 17, 2026

New York MTA Leverages Zoning Program to Advance Station Accessibility

Accessibility enhancements at Nevins St Station will be financed through a development agreement tied to the MTA's Zoning for Accessibility initiative.

Read More →
Six-Year Plan Boosts Virginia Transit, Rail Investments
Managementby StaffJune 17, 2026

Virginia's $28.5B Transportation Plan Targets Transit and Rail

Approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board, the program supports ongoing infrastructure projects while providing new investments in transit, state of good repair and transportation alternatives.

Read More →
Security and Safetyby StaffJune 16, 2026

DOT: Brightline Corridor Incidents Fall 30% Following Federal Safety Upgrades

Safety improvements funded through a $25 million federal investment are credited with reducing trespassing and train-vehicle collisions along the Brightline Florida corridor.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
An LA Metro D Line train in Union Station
Managementby StaffJune 16, 2026

D Line Expansion Fuels Growth Across LA Metro's Rail System

Weekend rail ridership was especially strong, soaring 18% as riders embraced expanded access to jobs, entertainment, dining, and cultural destinations, said the agency. Total system ridership for May, including bus and rail, was 26,966,657.

Read More →
A user demonstrating Metrolink's contactless fare payment pilot.
Technologyby StaffJune 12, 2026

Southern California's Metrolink Debuts Contactless Fare Payment Pilot

Customers traveling between Redlands and Los Angeles can now tap their preferred payment method, including a credit or debit card, mobile wallet, or wearable device, at station validators before boarding and again while exiting.

Read More →
A BART train on the tracks.
Managementby StaffJune 12, 2026

California's BART Approves FY27 Budget While Maintaining Service Levels

The budget covers July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, a period when pandemic emergency funds run out, the District faces a structural deficit of $375 million, and a regional transit funding measure may appear on the November ballot.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A rendering of the Amtrak New York Penn Station renovation
Railby StaffJune 9, 2026

Penn Station Transformation Advances with Design Unveiling

The historic redesign will transform the busiest transit hub in the Western Hemisphere from the tracks to the street level, creating a more efficient, cleaner, and functional experience for more than 600,000 daily commuters and millions of visitors.

Read More →
Groundbreaking event for Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 TBM construction.
Railby StaffJune 9, 2026

Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 Advances into Major Construction Stage

New York Governor Kathy Hochul joined leadership from the MTA, elected officials, and Harlem community leaders to break ground on the major construction stage of the transformative Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 project.

Read More →
A man sits in a passenger rail seat and looks at his phone.
Railby Elora HaynesJune 8, 2026

The Invisible Infrastructure of Passenger Flow

What a seat reservation system on Austria’s Railjet trains reveals about the future of rider experience, and why U.S. agencies should pay attention.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Aerial view of Caltrain's electric service.
Railby StaffJune 5, 2026

Caltrain Board Approves FY27 Budget, Endorses Efficiency Measures

The move ensures Caltrain service will continue operating as usual in the near term, but long-term financial challenges remain for the rail agency absent a new revenue source.

Read More →