How did public transit ridership in New York change over time, particularly before and after the COVID-19 pandemic?
1. Sharp Decilne at Pandemic Onset (Early 2020): Ridership plummeted dramatically at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, from approximately 5 million daily riders to below 1 million. This reflects the immediate impact of lockdowns, remote work adoption, and public health concerns.
2. Gradual Recovery with Seasonal Trends: After the initial drop, ridership began a slow and steady recovery starting mid-2020. However, it remained well below pre-pandemic levels for an extended period, showing a gradual adaptation rather than a quick rebound. Regular seasonal or weekly patterns are evident in the fluctuation of ridership.
3. Ridership Stabilizes but Remains Below Pre-Pandemic Levels: By 2023, ridership appears to have plateaued, with regular fluctuations but without reaching the 5 million daily riders seen pre-pandemic. This may indicate a "new normal," influenced by hybrid work arrangements and other societal changes post-pandemic.