LIRR Ridership Rebounds, Punctuality Improves

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The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) saw a significant increase in ridership in 2025, carrying over 81 million passengers - an 8% jump from 2024. Despite the higher ridership, the railroad maintained strong on-time performance, operating 96.2% of trains on schedule, just shy of its record set in 2021.

Why it matters

The LIRR's ability to handle increased ridership while keeping trains running on time is crucial for commuters in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, who rely on the railroad as a key transportation link to New York City. The news comes as the MTA is also investing $50 million to 'reimagine' Jamaica Station, a major transfer hub for LIRR passengers.

The details

The LIRR carried 81,946,669 riders in 2025, an 8% increase over 2024 and the most since 2019 when the railroad set a 70-year ridership record with 91 million passengers. Even with the higher ridership, the LIRR reported operating 96.2% of trains on time, just shy of its 96.3% record set in 2021 when COVID-related service reductions and lighter ridership helped the railroad stick to its schedule.

• The LIRR set a 70-year ridership record in 2019 with 91 million passengers.
• In 2021, the LIRR operated 96.3% of trains on time, a record for the railroad.
• In 2025, the LIRR carried 81,946,669 riders, an 8% increase over 2024.