Metro-North and LIRR Combine to Carry Over 365,000 Customers on Tuesday
Records Follow Strong Weekend When LIRR Became First Agency to Surpass Pre-Pandemic Ridership and Metro-North Carried 99% of Pre-Pandemic Ridership on Saturday, June 11
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced that both the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad set pandemic-era ridership records on Tuesday, June 14. The LIRR carried 191,197 riders, or 66% of pre-pandemic ridership, surpassing the previous pandemic-era record of 187,800 set on June 10. Metro-North carried 174,340 riders on Tuesday, 67% of pre-pandemic ridership, surpassing its previous record of 163,900 set on May 24.
The weekday record follows a strong weekend for both commuter railroads. On Saturday June 11, the day of the Belmont Stakes, the LIRR became the first MTA public transportation agency to surpass its baseline pre-pandemic levels. That day, the railroad carried approximately 117,900 riders, 105% of its pre-pandemic baseline. Metro-North enjoyed similar success, carrying approximately 95,100 riders, about 99% of its pre-pandemic baseline. Since the Breakneck Ridge station reopened on May 28, Metro-North has carried 90% of its pre-pandemic ridership on back-to-back weekends.
“We’re thrilled to see our weekday riders continue to return in record numbers. This shows that while leisure travel has been very strong throughout the pandemic, the market for office commutation is regaining strength as well,” said Metro-North President and LIRR Interim President Catherine Rinaldi. “With fare discounts, City Ticket expansion, and great weather, the LIRR and Metro-North anticipate setting more records in the near future.”
The MTA continues to encourage riders to return to the rails with fare discounts. On March 1, both LIRR and Metro-North rolled out fare offerings including a 10 percent discount for monthly passes, a new 20-trip ticket that saves 20% on regular peak one-way fares, and City Ticket, which offers a reduced, flat fare of $5.00 for rail travel within New York City on weekends, was extended to include all weekday off-peak trains.