First Gridlock Alert Day of Holiday Season on Wednesday, Nov. 16
Customers Encouraged to Take Advantage of Fare Discounts
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is reminding customers that public transit the best way to travel during the upcoming holiday season – especially on the 14 upcoming Gridlock Alert days. As more and more riders return to the transit system, the MTA is ready to take customers to the region's diverse array of events including the Grand Central Holiday Fair and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) designates the days expected to experience the heaviest volume of traffic as Gridlock Alert days. On those days, drivers are strongly advised to use alternative modes of transportation including subways, commuter railroads and buses. The first Gridlock Alert day of the holiday season is Wednesday, Nov. 16, which will be followed by 13 more days through the end of 2022.
“The MTA provides the most economical and convenient means of traveling throughout the year, especially during the holiday season when traffic increases and people are out and about,” said New York City Transit President Richard Davey. “And with more trips comes more opportunities for riders to tap their way to free rides with OMNY’s ‘Lucky 13'. There’s no easier way to get around the city and region than on public transit.”
“Riders across the metropolitan area should enjoy everything the city and region have to offer during the holiday season – not sit in endless traffic,” said Metro-North Railroad President and Long Island Rail Road Interim President Catherine Rinaldi. “The MTA will get you to your destination safely and smoothly, and with the coming holiday attractions, commuter rail riders can plan their trips and purchase their tickets all in one place with the MTA TrainTime app.”
Gridlock Alert days are:
- Wednesday, Nov. 16
- Thursday, Nov. 17
- Tuesday, Nov. 22
- Wednesday, Nov. 23
- Wednesday, Nov. 30
- Thursday, Dec. 1
- Friday, Dec. 2
- Tuesday, Dec. 6
- Wednesday, Dec. 7
- Thursday, Dec. 8
- Friday, Dec. 9
- Tuesday, Dec. 13
- Wednesday, Dec. 14
- Thursday, Dec. 15
Metro-North Railroad and Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) riders can plan their trips with the MTA TrainTime app. TrainTime provides a one-stop app to find train schedules, purchase tickets, view seat availability, track trains in real time, and more. TrainTime offers everything needed for a smooth ride, all at riders’ fingertips.
Riders are reminded to take advantage of numerous fare deals the MTA is offering. Those traveling via the LIRR and Metro-North within New York City during off peak hours can purchase a CityTicket at a discounted rate. Metro-North and Long Island Rail Road riders can also purchase a 20-trip ticket which offers a 20% discount off comparable 20 peak one-way fares. These tickets are valid for 60 days.
Those traveling via subway and buses can utilize the “Lucky 13” fare capping feature when tapping with OMNY more than 12 times in a seven-day period, Monday through Sunday. OMNY has also expanded to Reduced-Fare customers, allowing for even more customers to join the “Lucky 13” program.
For real-time service updates and information, customers can use the following options:
MYmta app – Customers who use the comprehensive MYmta smartphone app will see real-time travel information for all MTA services all in one place.
TrainTime app - The MTA launched a totally revamped TrainTime app as the new one-stop app for commuter rail customers in the region on both Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad, showing all train schedules for 30 days in the future.
new.mta.info – The “Service Status” box at new.mta.info is always the definitive source for the latest status for each line.
Live Subway Map – The Live Subway Map shows the real-time position of trains, planned service changes at any given time, highlights accessible stations, and much more.
MTA Weekender – Customers can sign up for the “MTA Weekender,” a weekly digest of major weekend service changes throughout the transit system.
Twitter – Twitter users can follow @MTA, @NYCTSubway, @NYCTBus for service updates and customer service support.
WhatsApp – Customers can chat with NYC Transit via WhatsApp. Riders can receive customer service support in their native language through the help of Google Translate.
For those who prefer to contact the MTA by telephone, information is available by dialing 511. Connecticut customers should call 877-690-5114. Those who are deaf or hard of hearing can use their preferred service provider for the free 711 relay to reach the MTA at 511.