Second Ave Subway Is Stealing Riders From 4, 5, 6 Lines: MTA

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — It was a given that when the Second Avenue Subway opened on the Upper East Side on New Year's Day it would change how the neighborhood commutes. But the rapid speed at which Upper East Siders have embraced the Q train has surprised MTA officials.

Ridership on the Second Avenue Subway line increased by an average of 8,000 riders a week in January, peaking at 155,000 daily riders according to MTA data released Wednesday. After just one month the daily ridership is nearing the projected 200,000 daily riders MTA officials said the new line would service.

"The Second Avenue Subway has already become an integral part of the Upper East Side and these ridership figures show just how important this expansion project is to the neighborhood and our economy," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a statement. "This project is proof that government can still get big things done and these early ridership numbers send a clear message that when we deliver on our promises New Yorkers respond."

The new Q line has also eased the burden on the nearby 4, 5 and 6 lines which run on Lexington Avenue and have long been some of the most crowded lines in the city. Daily weekday ridership at Upper East Side stations on the Lexington Avenue line has dropped 27 percent — 46 percent during peak morning rush hours of 8-9 a.m. — compared to January numbers from 2016, according to the MTA.

Here's how the ridership numbers break down, according to MTA data from Jan. 27:

Second Avenue Subway:

• Total: 155,500 riders
  • 72nd Street: 51,450
  • 86th Street: 45,800
  • 96th Street: 30,100
  • 63rd Street (transferring to and from the F): 28,150

Lexington Avenue line:

• Total: 327,440 riders in 2016; 240,270 riders in 2017
  • 68th Street: 65,890 in 2016; 44,700 in 2017
  • 77th Street: 74,010 in 2016; 59,560 in 2017
  • 86th Street: 132,400 in 2016; 94,750 in 2017
  • 96th Street: 55,140 in 2016; 41,260 in 2017

"The opening of the Second Avenue Subway was a singular event, and New Yorkers have been quick to embrace the new line, with ridership climbing quickly," Ronnie Hakim, MTA interim executive director, said in a statement. "The fact that so many daily riders are using the new line has also helped to ease crowding during the morning rush at key stations on the Lexington Avenue line, making commuting easier, faster and better for thousands of New Yorkers."

Photo courtesy of Governor Andrew Cuomo