Round-the-clock subway help is coming to these NYC stops
The Customer Service Centers, first rolled out in 2022, have become a lifeline for many riders. Located near station entrances or turnstiles, the upgraded booths are repurposed from the old-school token era and decked out with branded wrapping, better lighting and clear signage. Station agents are on hand 24/7 (except at St. George, which operates on weekday hours) to assist with everything from reduced-fare applications to complaints and service updates.
According to the MTA, the expansion comes at a key moment as the agency transitions to OMNY and expands eligibility for citywide fare assistance programs. New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow said the move is part of a broader push to make every subway experience a little more pleasant. Riders can expect easier access to information, personalized help and a real human face behind the glass—something that's increasingly rare in modern transit systems.
MTA Chief Customer Officer Shanifah Rieara credited the existing Customer Service Centers with boosting overall rider satisfaction, which is currently at an all-time high. 'Our customer service agents are a big part of that accomplishment—bringing critical support to riders when they need it most,' she said.
While the full lineup of 15 new stations hasn't been revealed yet, the MTA has confirmed that Grand Central, East 180th Street, Rockaway Parkway and Far Rockaway–Mott Avenue are among the first to receive the upgraded service. The rest will be announced in the coming months.
For anyone who's ever stood on a platform wondering where to turn, help is on the way—and soon, you won't need to check the time before asking.
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31-07-2025
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Round-the-clock subway help is coming to these NYC stops
Late-night subway snafus just got a little less stressful. The MTA is expanding its 24/7 Customer Service Centers to 15 more stations across New York City, bringing the total to 30 systemwide by early 2026. That means more places where riders can find in-person help at any hour—whether you're struggling with OMNY, looking to enroll in the Fair Fares program or just need directions after midnight. The Customer Service Centers, first rolled out in 2022, have become a lifeline for many riders. Located near station entrances or turnstiles, the upgraded booths are repurposed from the old-school token era and decked out with branded wrapping, better lighting and clear signage. Station agents are on hand 24/7 (except at St. George, which operates on weekday hours) to assist with everything from reduced-fare applications to complaints and service updates. According to the MTA, the expansion comes at a key moment as the agency transitions to OMNY and expands eligibility for citywide fare assistance programs. New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow said the move is part of a broader push to make every subway experience a little more pleasant. Riders can expect easier access to information, personalized help and a real human face behind the glass—something that's increasingly rare in modern transit systems. MTA Chief Customer Officer Shanifah Rieara credited the existing Customer Service Centers with boosting overall rider satisfaction, which is currently at an all-time high. 'Our customer service agents are a big part of that accomplishment—bringing critical support to riders when they need it most,' she said. While the full lineup of 15 new stations hasn't been revealed yet, the MTA has confirmed that Grand Central, East 180th Street, Rockaway Parkway and Far Rockaway–Mott Avenue are among the first to receive the upgraded service. The rest will be announced in the coming months. For anyone who's ever stood on a platform wondering where to turn, help is on the way—and soon, you won't need to check the time before asking.
Time Out
24-07-2025
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NYC subway just hit a pre-pandemic record for ridership, showing post-COVID recovery
New York City's subway just hit a milestone that would've seemed unthinkable a few summers ago: more than 4 million riders a day, for three days in a row. From July 15 through 17, the MTA logged 4,046,610, 4,121,751 and 4,029,692 trips, respectively, marking the first time since 2019 that the system has seen that kind of sustained summer crush. Even a soggy Monday didn't slow things down. The surge came just days after a near-record downpour on Monday, July 14, with MTA crews hustling overnight to keep commutes on track. And keep on track they did—literally. According to Governor Kathy Hochul, subway performance is also on the upswing, with 2025 poised to be the MTA's best year for on-time service on record. The four-million mark has now been hit seven times in just three weeks, starting late June and continuing through mid-July. That's no fluke, according to Hochul. 'We're delivering a transit system that is safer and more reliable, and New Yorkers have responded by riding in record numbers,' Hochul said in a statement. 'When ridership is on the rise, New York is on the rise.' Several factors are fueling the bump. One standout: This is the first summer NYC students can use their OMNY cards 24/7, even during school breaks. Previously, student MetroCards were limited to school days. Expanded access means more freedom—and more rides. Meanwhile, the tap-and-go revolution is in full swing. OMNY usage jumped to 75-percent during the week of July 14, up from 67-percent in March, with New Yorkers embracing phones, contactless cards, and good old-fashioned convenience. Safety and satisfaction are also trending upward. Major subway crimes are down 3.2-percent year-over-year—and nearly 10-percent compared to 2019—while customer satisfaction has climbed across subways, buses and commuter rail. The MTA is also reporting an 8-percent increase in subway ridership compared to last year, and a whopping 31-percent jump since 2022.
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Got a monthly LIRR or Metro-North ticket? Congratulations—you've just unlocked one of the best travel deals of the summer. The MTA has brought back its popular Summer Saturday program and it's kind of a game-changer. Every Saturday from July 5 through August 30, monthly pass holders can travel anywhere within their respective rail network, whether it's Long Island's farthest beaches or the trails of the Hudson Valley, for no extra charge. But here's the kicker: You can bring along up to two friends or family members for just $1 each, each way. Yes, one dollar. Think of it as a golden ticket to explore New York by rail without the usual cost. 'This is about putting more money in New Yorkers' pockets,' said Governor Kathy Hochul. 'Whether it's Long Island beaches, Broadway shows and baseball games in the city or hiking in the Hudson Valley, taking the train is the best way to get around.' Here's how it works: The $1 fares can be purchased through the MTA's TrainTime app (look under 'Family Fares') or directly onboard the train, with no extra fees. The only catch is that you can't mix and match networks—so your LIRR monthly won't get you on a Metro-North train and vice versa. Also worth noting: A few Long Island trains are exempt. If you were planning on catching the 7:13, 8:14 or 10:29 a.m. trains from Jamaica to Montauk, or the 7:47 a.m. Penn Station to Ronkonkoma and its Greenport connection, you'll need to pay regular fare. But for pretty much everything else, you're good to go. MTA brass are billing the deal as both a thank-you to riders and an invitation to explore. 'If the best service in LIRR and Metro‑North history wasn't enough incentive to ride, these discounts should seal the deal,' said MTA chair Janno Lieber. Basically, you've got no excuse to stay home. Hop the train, bring your besties and go make some summer memories for less than the price of a bodega soda.
