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
Trinity Metro Breaks Ground on $270M TEXRail Extension
The 2.1-mile extension will connect Fort Worth’s Medical District and Near Southside to downtown, surrounding communities, and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.
Read More →
Bringing Austin’s First Light Rail System to Life
Austin Transit Partnership CEO Greg Canally discusses the city's nearly 10-mile light rail project, its collaborative approach to project delivery, the importance of community engagement, and the milestones ahead as construction approaches in 2027.
Read More →
Metra Draft Plan Outlines Costs, Service Improvements for Regional Rail
The Systemwide Network Plan identifies infrastructure needs and potential investments to expand all-day, bidirectional rail service across the Chicago region.
Read More →
Amtrak Completes First Street Tunnel Upgrades, Restores Service
The nine-day construction project included replacing aging track infrastructure and modernizing switch systems near Washington Union Station.
Read More →
FRA Announces $2.3B for Passenger, Freight Rail Projects Nationwide
The CRISI Grant Program funding will support rail infrastructure improvements, safety upgrades, and projects aimed at improving freight and passenger rail service across 45 states and Washington, D.C.
Read More →
Caltrain’s Electrification Drives a New Era of Ridership Growth
The railroad’s shift to electric service has brought more frequent trains, stronger customer satisfaction, and increased ridership, earning it APTA’s Outstanding Public Transportation System award.
Read More →
FTA Advances $164M Broward County Commuter Rail Project
The proposed 10.5-mile commuter rail extension would connect Fort Lauderdale and Aventura, expanding passenger rail options in South Florida.
Read More →
New York MTA Launches Historic $1.9B Signal, Track Modernization Project
Funded in part by congestion pricing revenue, the project will replace nearly century-old signals along the A and C lines in Brooklyn and Queens.
Read More →
LA Metro Breaks Ground on East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Project
The 6.7-mile line will add 11 stations along Van Nuys Boulevard, expand access to jobs and regional transit connections, and support Metro’s broader efforts to improve mobility as rail ridership grows.
Read More →
CSA Group Releases Climate Resilience Standard for Transit, Passenger Rail
Developed with support from the Standards Council of Canada, CSA D700 guides assessing climate-related risks and planning adaptation measures for transit and passenger rail systems.
Read More →