Number of MTA passengers continues to rebound pandemic, agency launches DineAWAY campaign to help restaurants

NEW YORK (WABC) – Although not yet at the level before the pandemic, the number of passengers in the subway continues to install new high water signs to return to normal life.

The number of passengers in the subway on Wednesday exceeded 3.6 million people, breaking the previous record set the day before, May 17, at 3.535 million.

In addition, on Tuesday, May 17, records for the number of passengers in the pandemic era were set on both the Long Island Railroad and the North Railroad, with LIRR recording 182,700 trips and Metro-North 162,100.

Each of these figures exceeds the pandemic era records set in the last few weeks, and is the highest since March 2020.

“This week New York has reached a milestone in transit, which is one of the most encouraging indicators that our return from COVID is going right,” Governor Katie Hochul said. “Public transportation systems are the source of life in New York, and we will continue to do everything in our power to bring back the racers and help rebuild the economy.”

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MTA Chairman and CEO Jana Liber was stuck with about 60% of what was before the city closed, adding that part of it was office workers who still work from home.

“This week’s record number of passengers on both our commuter rail and subway lines is just the latest evidence that New York’s return is due to transit,” he said. “We strive to bring riders back with new unlimited weekly and other OMNY“ Lucky 13 ”discount options, as well as frequent and reliable service. and months ahead. “

However, he acknowledges that service on some suburban rail lines is not what it used to be.

He said the agency would eventually increase service, but did not say when, especially on the Port of Washington line.

The number of rides on both rail and subway has been steadily rising as major companies began returning employees to the office beginning in March, and four days of the highest number of passengers during the subway pandemic era were recorded in May 2022. Both railways have reached new highs in the pandemic era for each of the last 3 weeks.

Officials believe the numbers will continue to grow and they are looking for new ways to help customers explore local restaurants and neighborhoods.

One such initiative is the recently announced DineAWAY, an extension of the existing MTAAway that helps racers plan day trips without a car.

The MTA has teamed up with the James Byrd Foundation to attract New Yorkers to the subway, buses and commuter rails for easy rides to some of the city’s best areas and some great locations near Long Island Railroad and the Northern Railroad.

DineAWAY is a joint campaign to bring riders back to the MTA, while supporting independent restaurants in downtown New York City and surrounding neighborhoods.

COVID-19 has had an unprecedented impact on the restaurant industry, and many local businesses are still struggling to meet the pre-pandemic level.

By participating in DineAWAY, New Yorkers and visitors from around the world are encouraged to use public transportation to experience unprecedented food and cultural experiences throughout the area, while supporting ongoing efforts to revitalize the food and beverage industry.

“MineAway’s DineAWAY program brings together everything New Yorkers need to plan a day in a new neighborhood with friends and family in one place,” said Sarah Meyer, MTA’s chief client officer. “MTA Away gives you a complete guide to local destinations you may never have thought of visiting, and connects you with our fantastic travel planner. Traveling on our buses and trains relieves the stress of finding parking – it’s good for the planet and even better for your wallet ”.

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Neighborhoods and participating chefs include, but are not limited to:
–Harlem featuring JJ Johnson, FIELDTRIP
–Astoria featuring Beatrice Ajaero, Nneji
–Park Slope featuring Tony Hopkins, Good Wine
–Sunnyside / Long Island City featuring Nestor Ducan, Rincon Melania

For more information, neighborhood guides with restaurant offerings, chef profiles and walking guides with fantastic food and beverage options, visit MTAaway.com.

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