Metro-North Ridership Jumps As Hudson Valley Reopens In Phase 2

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Ridership on Metro-North Railroad increased to 20,140 riders on June 8, equaling 10 percent of Metro-North’s pre-pandemic ridership. That's up from 4 percent mid-pandemic.

Ridership continues to trend upward as the Hudson Valley region began Phase 2 on Tuesday and Long Island’s Phase 2 started Wednesday, Metropolitan Transit Authority officials said.

Floor decals have been placed near ticket windows and information booths to encourage proper social distancing on lines. Similar decals can also be found on the platforms at the Fordham, Pelham, Scarsdale and Tarrytown stations so riders can properly social distance while waiting for their train.

Beginning Monday, Metro-North will return to about 61 percent of the normal weekday service with a new schedule supporting supplement peak inbound and reverse peak service, while still maintaining hourly service during off-peak hours.

The schedule will bring Metro-North to 50 trains arriving at Grand Central Terminal during the AM peak and 68 trains departing during the PM peak. This marks a 115 percent capacity increase from the current schedule, which sees 24 trains in the morning peak and 24 in the evening peak. Off-peak fares will continue to apply at all times. Additional trains and crews will be available in all yard locations to add trains into service should the demand warrant.

"As the number of riders traveling from Metro-North's service region to New York City continues to grow, the safety of our customers and employees is our number one priority,” said Metro-North Railroad President Catherine Rinaldi. "We continue our unprecedented, 24/7 cleaning regimen as well as providing masks and hand sanitizer in stations for our riders.”

Metro-North personnel distributed 250 masks and 200 hand sanitizer packets Monday, and touchless hand sanitizer dispensers are being installed at all Metro-North stations.

Daily disinfecting and cleaning will continue with all Metro-North train cars being sanitized at least once a day and stations at least twice daily. To date, Metro-North stations have been cleaned more than 9,500 times, train cars have been cleaned more than 17,000 times.

"Those trains are cleaner than they've ever been in my lifetime," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in his Wednesday briefing.

Face covering signage has been posted at all stations to remind riders they need one to travel.

MTA Metro-North Railroad President Catherine Rinaldi will appear on Facebook Live with Westchester County Executive George Latimer to discuss the reopening of the Mid-Hudson Valley region and Metro-North’s Essential Service Plan enhancements.

WHEN: 11 a.m. Monday
WHERE: Facebook Live https://www.facebook.com/westchestergov/

SEE ALSO:

• Metro-North Adds Trains, Masks, Sanitizer For Hudson Valley
• Dramatic Turnaround As Hudson Valley Enters Phase 2: Cuomo