STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The MTA is celebrating two major feats: The three billionth contactless payment tap and its highest two-day ridership since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gov. Kathy Hochul applauded the agency for its bounce back as the MTA prepares to axe the sale of MetroCards at the end of the year.
“With significant progress in safety and reliability this year, it’s no surprise that we are breaking yet another ridership record on the subway,” Hochul said in a written statement. “To top it off, the increased convenience riders now have to tap and go is paying real dividends. Reaching major milestones for tap and go and daily ridership in the same week is the latest proof that the investments New York has made in mass transit are helping the lifeblood of New York City thrive.”
Russell Levy, an Upper East Side resident, tapped his card to board the subway at the 47th–50th Streets–Rockefeller Center BDFM station — and unknowingly became the three billionth contactless payer.
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said the following in the statement, “Three billion taps is undeniable proof that New Yorkers are ready for a new era of fare payment. Tap and Ride, like the MetroCard did 30 years ago, opens the door to new discounts and promotions that will strengthen transit affordability — no speed arithmetic required.”
Oct. 22 saw 4.52 million people on the trains, while Oct. 23 saw 4.55 million riders. This beats the previous record set on Dec. 12, 2024, with 4.53 million boarding the subway.
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