The LIRR is now carrying 66% of its pre-pandemic ridership, while Metro-North is carrying 67% of its pre-pandemic ridership.
announced that commuter railroad ridership returned to ⅔rds of its pre-pandemic levels on Tuesday, as New York City continues its recovery from the pandemic.
"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 in a statement. "With fare discounts, City Ticket expansion, and great weather, the LIRR and Metro-North anticipate setting more records in the near future.
Metro-North carried 174,340 riders 67% of its pre-pandemic ridership, surpassing the previous record of 163,900 set on May 24. On June 11, the LIRR actually became the first MTA railroad to exceed its baseline pre-pandemic ridership levels, carrying 117,900 riders, or 105% of its pre-pandemic baseline the weekend of the Belmont Stakes.Mayor Eric Adams is requiring all municipal workers to return to their respective offices five days a week in part to set an example for the private workforce.