A new pilot program aims to improve mobility for New Yorkers working the late shift. NYMTA
The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has issued a request for proposals from transportation companies to advance the “Late-Shift” pilot program to improve mobility for New Yorkers working the late shift by connecting them with the subway system outside of Manhattan during overnight hours.
Late shift employment, often in major industries such as healthcare, food services, and hospitality/leisure, is expected to grow faster than the overall economy over the next five to 10 years. The subway system operates 24/7, positioning New York to attract investment in these industries and stimulate job creation.
The MTA is seeking companies that have the potential to offer shared-mobility services connecting New Yorkers who are traveling during the overnight hours with the subway system. Real-time train arrival data and OMNY, the MTA’s new tap-and-go fare payment system, may offer further complementary ways to create seamless overnight travel.
The request-for-proposals process will begin by looking at areas in The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island that are more than a half-mile from the nearest subway station and have limited bus service with arrivals less frequent than every 20 minutes overnight. Criteria for participating subway stations will be evaluated throughout the course of the request for proposals process.
The shared mobility “late-shift” request for proposal is being conducted in two phases. Phase I will center on data collection and analysis to determine the structure of the pilot. During Phase II, the location, timeframe and business terms of the pilot program will be determined. The deadline for submission of Phase I proposals is Feb. 18. Phase 2 is expected to begin in early March. The MTA anticipates selecting a “late-shift” pilot program partner by the end of March 2020.
The region’s fixed-route system finished out the year with a total of 373.5 million rides. Adding 12.3 million rides over 2024 represents an increase that is equal to the annual transit ridership of Kansas City.
The service is a flexible, reservation-based transit service designed to close the first- and last-mile gaps and connect riders to employment for just $5 per day.
The upgraded system, which went live earlier this month, supports METRO’s METRONow vision to enhance the customer experience, improve service reliability, and strengthen long-term regional mobility.
The agreement provides competitive wages and reflects strong labor-management collaboration, positive working relationships, and a shared commitment to building a world-class transit system for the community, said RTA CEO Lona Edwards Hankins.
The priorities are outlined in the 2026 Board and CEO Initiatives and Action Plan, which serves as a roadmap to guide the agency’s work throughout the year and ensure continued progress and accountability on voter-approved transportation investments and essential mobility services.
