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 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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →