New York Commuter Railroads Set Post-Pandemic Single Day Ridership Record
Together, the railroads combined to carry a single-day record of 540,688 riders.
The MTA reports that on-time performance for both railroads remains historically high, with Metro-North at more than 98% and the LIRR close behind at 97%.
Photo: Marc A. Hermann
The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) two commuter railroads — the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North Railroad — each broke post-pandemic ridership records on May 20, with the LIRR carrying 285,050 riders and the Metro-North Railroad carrying 255,638 riders.
Together, the railroads combined to carry a single-day record of 540,688 riders.
“Record-setting commuter railroad reliability has brought riders back to transit and in the process, helped to revive the regional economy post-pandemic,” said MTA Chair/CEO Janno Lieber. “Tip of the hat to our amazing railroad workforce for yet another milestone.”
Record-Setting Days Represent Positive Momentum
The LIRR surpassed its previous post-pandemic record of 284,694 passengers, set in Nov. 2024, with the highest recorded weekday average in the railroad’s history, 332,647 riders, recorded in June 2019.
Meanwhile, Metro-North continues its incredible momentum, by surpassing its previous post-pandemic record of 249,585, which was set in Oct. 2024. The highest recorded weekday average in Metro-North history — 290,837 passengers — was recorded in October 2019.
The MTA reports that on-time performance for both railroads remains historically high, with Metro-North at more than 98% and the LIRR close behind at 97%.
Continuing Ridership Gains
Additionally, March 2025 LIRR ridership increased 10.4% compared to March 2024, representing 87.6% of March 2019, which is the highest post-pandemic percentage.
Commutation ridership increased 10.6% and non-commutation ridership increased 10.2%, surpassing the same month in 2019.
Metro-North’s total ridership in March 2025 of 5.8 million increased by 19.6% from February.
Average daily ridership increased 8% to 185,633; average weekday ridership increased 5.8% to 216,540; and average weekend ridership increased 20% to 102,564.
Metro-North’s total ridership increased 8.1% compared to March 2024, representing 81.1% of March 2019 ridership.
More Rail
New York MTA Advances Final Contract for Second Avenue Subway Expansion
Contract Four is the largest in the Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 project and includes construction of station infrastructure, tracks, and signals for the subway expansion, MTA officials said. Work on Contract Four will begin in 2027.
Read More →
San Diego MTS Breaks Monthly Trolley Ridership Record
Agency officials said July’s ridership indicates MTS’s continued recovery from the pandemic.
Read More →
Report Examines NJ TRANSIT Reliability, Funding Challenges
The Garden State Initiative analysis examines the roles of Amtrak infrastructure, fleet management, and agency operations while recommending a more performance-based approach to improving reliability.
Read More →
Stadler, CapMetro Sign Long-Term Rail Fleet Support Agreement
Beginning in 2027, Stadler will provide on-site technical expertise, spare parts support, training, and obsolescence management to help extend the reliability and longevity of CapMetro’s GTW fleet.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: Alstom Lands Canadian Contract, LYT to Supply California TSP, and More
In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at recent news from Complete Coach Works, Beep, FlixBus, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.
Read More →
CATS Gold Line Marks 5 Years of Service, 2.8M Passenger Trips
With a six-mile expansion planned, the Charlotte streetcar is positioned to connect more neighborhoods and major transit hubs across the region.
Read More →
Why Simulating Pedestrian Movement Has Become Essential for Modern Rail Stations
Pedestrian microsimulation is helping rail planners identify bottlenecks, test station designs, and prepare complex transit hubs for growing passenger volumes.
Read More →
Amtrak Begins Major Construction at New York’s Sunnyside Yard
The new maintenance facility will support Amtrak’s Airo trainsets while improving maintenance efficiency and turnaround times in New York.
Read More →
Chicago Leaders Unveil Plans for O’Hare Airport Express Train
The privately developed project would offer a 15-minute trip between downtown and O’Hare’s Terminal 2, with trains operating every 15 minutes on a dedicated track. The service would use battery-electric trains and three existing freight rail rights-of-way.
Read More →
OCTA Maps Out 30-Year Strategy to Protect Coastal Rail Corridor
The draft feasibility report identifies strategies to protect the coastal rail line for decades as the agency continues near-term stabilization and sand placement efforts.
Read More →