The Subway Might Seem Crowded, But Ridership Is on the Decline

The average number of MTA subway riders dropped in the last year by more 100,000 on weekdays. Twice as many turned away from subways on the weekends.

But MTA Chairman Joe Lhota says the decline has nothing to do with delays or closures.

"I don't think people are not coming on the subway because of any service-related issues at all," he said after the MTA board meeting on Wednesday.

Jaqi Cohen, campaign coordinator of the Straphangers' Campaign, disagreed.

"Off-peak times and on weekends is when you see irregular service," she said. "Riders are probably opting out of waiting for trains for 20-plus minutes in search of something else."

Bus rider numbers have been declining for years.

Every Uber or Citi-bike ride is lost revenue for the MTA. So far this year, the agency collected $18.8 million less than it expected from fare boxes. The MTA says it'll be more than $1 billion in the red if it doesn't increase fares or tolls — or tap into savings.