MTA Subway Soars: Record On-Time, Ridership Up Despite Fare Hikes

New York’s MTA achieved record-high on-time performance and significant ridership growth across its subway and commuter rail networks in 2025, a year marked by major technological transitions and controversial fare increases. The gains in service reliability come as the agency fully retired its iconic MetroCard in favor of the OMNY tap-to-pay system and began tackling an estimated $400 million annual loss from fare evasion.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced strong operational results for 2025, showcasing improved service delivery for millions of New Yorkers. On the New York City Transit (NYCT) subway system, weekday on-time performance (OTP) reached a record 83.7%, a 2.1% improvement over 2024, while weekend OTP climbed to 86.6%. This enhanced reliability corresponded with a 7% increase in total trips, reaching nearly 1.3 billion for the year and bringing average ridership to 85% of pre-pandemic figures. The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) posted even more impressive figures, with an annual OTP exceeding 96% and a 9% ridership surge to 81 million passengers, placing it at 92% of its pre-pandemic volume.

These performance gains were achieved during a period of significant technological and infrastructural change. In a landmark move, 2025 saw the complete phase-out of the iconic yellow and blue MetroCard, which had been in use for decades. The MTA fully transitioned to its OMNY contactless payment system, allowing riders to tap credit cards or smart devices for entry. In parallel, the agency launched pilot programs to test modern fare gates, a direct response to the persistent problem of fare evasion. Officials estimated that fare evasion cost the MTA approximately $400 million in lost revenue in 2025 alone, underscoring the financial imperative behind the infrastructure upgrade.

Despite the positive performance metrics, the year was not without challenges to public perception. The MTA implemented a fare hike, raising the base subway fare to $3.00, which drew criticism from commuters and public officials concerned about affordability in the city. LIRR ticket prices also saw increases of up to 8%. While the MTA noted that new monthly LIRR ticket prices remain below their 2019 peak—a result of a 10% fare reduction during the pandemic to boost ridership—the increases across the system highlighted the financial pressures facing the agency as it works to balance its budget while investing in service improvements.

Key Takeaways

• Record Performance: Both the NYC Subway and Long Island Rail Road achieved record-high on-time performance in 2025, signaling a successful focus on operational reliability.
• Ridership Rebounds: Ridership grew significantly, with the subway reaching 85% and LIRR hitting 92% of pre-pandemic levels, indicating a strong return of commuters and leisure travelers.
• Technology and Revenue Challenges: The successful transition to the OMNY payment system coincided with fare hikes and new initiatives to combat an estimated $400 million in annual fare evasion.

Editor’s Analysis

The MTA’s 2025 results present a compelling case study for legacy transit systems worldwide. The agency has demonstrated that targeted investment in maintenance and operations can yield tangible improvements in reliability, a key factor in winning back riders post-pandemic. However, this success is inextricably linked to difficult financial realities. The full transition to OMNY is a crucial modernization step, but it occurs alongside necessary but unpopular fare hikes and a costly battle against fare evasion. For the global rail industry, the MTA’s journey highlights the delicate balancing act between enhancing service quality, modernizing infrastructure, and ensuring financial sustainability, all while managing public and political expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the MTA’s subway on-time performance in 2025?

In 2025, the MTA’s New York City subway system achieved a weekday on-time performance (OTP) of 83.7% and a weekend OTP of 86.6%, both record highs and improvements over the previous year.

What major payment system change did the MTA implement in 2025?

The MTA fully phased out the MetroCard and completed its transition to the OMNY system, a contactless payment method that allows riders to tap-to-pay with credit cards, debit cards, or smart devices.

How did MTA ridership in 2025 compare to pre-pandemic levels?

In 2025, average ridership on the NYC subway reached 85% of pre-pandemic levels, while the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) recovered to 92% of its pre-pandemic ridership.