NYC Subway Logs One Billionth Ride in 2024 Amid Ridership Rebound
Patrick Callahan
The New York City subway system has hit a milestone: one billion rides for the year, signaling progress for public transit in a post-pandemic era where ridership has been slow to recover.
In September, average weekday subway ridership surpassed 4 million for the first time since the pandemic — a trend that continued into October.
The MTA celebrated this achievement by designating Brooklyn resident Michael Carrasquillo as the symbolic “billionth rider” when he entered the system at Atlantic Ave-Barclays Center. Carrasquillo was awarded a month of free rides, along with some MTA swag, and expressed gratitude for the transit system’s role in daily New York life.
Slow Recovery, Steady Gains for New York Public Transit
Though subway ridership has yet to reach pre-pandemic levels, the MTA remains optimistic. With more New Yorkers returning to public transit, 2024 saw the billion-ride milestone reached faster than recent years; in 2022, it wasn’t achieved until late December.
The MTA attributes lingering ridership challenges to increased remote work, even as vehicle traffic over its bridges and tunnels often exceeds pre-pandemic figures.
