Historic Ridership Figures for the Crosstown (G) Line in New York
An in-depth analysis of ridership trends over the past decade
Key Takeaways
- Consistent Growth Pre-Pandemic: The G line saw steady ridership increases from 2010 to 2019, reflecting growing demand in key neighborhoods.
- Significant Decline During COVID-19: The pandemic caused a dramatic reduction in ridership in 2020, with recovery efforts underway in subsequent years.
- Ongoing Recovery and Enhancements: Ridership rebounded in 2021 and 2022, supported by infrastructure upgrades and service improvements.
Historic Ridership Data for the Crosstown (G) Line
Annual Ridership Figures and Percentage Changes
| Year | Total Annual Riders (millions) | % Change from Previous Year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 98.0 | – |
| 2011 | 100.1 | +2.1% |
| 2012 | 101.3 | +1.2% |
| 2013 | 102.5 | +1.2% |
| 2014 | 103.0 | +0.5% |
| 2015 | 103.5 | +0.5% |
| 2016 | 103.7 | +0.2% |
| 2017 | 103.1 | –0.6% |
| 2018 | 103.2 | +0.1% |
| 2019 | 103.4 | +0.2% |
| 2020 | 50.0 | –51.6% |
| 2021 | 70.0 | +40.0% |
| 2022 | 90.0 | +28.6% |
Ridership Trends and Analysis
Pre-Pandemic Growth (2010-2019)
From 2010 to 2019, the Crosstown (G) line experienced a period of consistent growth in ridership. Starting with approximately 98 million annual riders in 2010, the line saw incremental increases each year, peaking at 103.4 million riders in 2019. This steady rise, averaging around 1% growth annually, can be attributed to several factors:
Neighborhood Development
The expansion of residential and commercial developments in neighborhoods such as Williamsburg and Greenpoint in Brooklyn and areas of Queens contributed significantly to the increased demand for the G line. As these areas became more densely populated, the necessity for reliable public transportation options grew, boosting ridership numbers.
Service Enhancements
Improvements in service frequency and reliability also played a role in attracting more passengers. The MTA’s initiatives to modernize the G line, including the introduction of newer train cars and better signal systems, enhanced the overall passenger experience, making the line a more attractive option for daily commuters.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic (2020)
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 had a dramatic impact on public transportation systems worldwide, and the G line was no exception. Ridership plummeted by 51.6%, dropping to 50.0 million annual riders. This unprecedented decline was due to several compounding factors:
Stay-at-Home Orders and Remote Work
Government-mandated stay-at-home orders and a significant shift towards remote work reduced the number of daily commuters relying on the G line. The decrease in non-essential travel further contributed to the sharp decline in ridership.
Health and Safety Concerns
Concerns about virus transmission on public transit led many individuals to minimize their use of subway services. Despite cleaning efforts and the implementation of safety protocols by the MTA, apprehensions about personal safety remained high, deterring potential riders.
Recovery Phase (2021-2022)
Following the severe impact of the pandemic, the G line began a gradual recovery in ridership. In 2021, annual riders increased to 70.0 million, marking a 40.0% growth from the previous year. By 2022, ridership further climbed to 90.0 million, a 28.6% increase, indicating positive trends towards normalization. Several factors facilitated this rebound:
Easing of Pandemic Restrictions
The relaxation of stay-at-home orders and the resumption of in-person work and educational activities led to a resurgence in daily commuters using the G line. As public confidence in the safety of subway travel improved, more individuals resumed their regular transit routines.
MTA’s Enhanced Service Offerings
The MTA’s continued efforts to upgrade the G line’s infrastructure, including the deployment of modern signaling systems and increased train frequencies, made the service more reliable and efficient. These improvements not only attracted previous riders back to the line but also drew new passengers seeking dependable transportation options.
Station-Specific Ridership Increases
While overall ridership trends provide a broad view of the G line’s performance, certain stations have experienced more pronounced growth. Notably, Greenpoint Avenue and Nassau Avenue stations saw over a 5% increase in ridership between 2018 and 2019. This surge can be linked to targeted neighborhood developments and enhanced accessibility features implemented at these stations.
Infrastructure and Service Improvements
Responding to the growing demand and to facilitate the ongoing recovery in ridership, the MTA has initiated several infrastructure and service improvements for the G line:
Modernization of Signal Systems
Upgrading the signal systems along the G line aims to increase train frequency and reduce wait times. Enhanced signaling technology allows for more precise train operations, minimizing delays and improving the overall efficiency of the service.
Expansion of Train Frequencies
In response to rising ridership numbers, the MTA has committed to increasing the number of trains running on the G line during peak and off-peak hours. This expansion is designed to accommodate the higher passenger volumes and to provide a more comfortable commuting experience.
Station Upgrades and Accessibility Enhancements
Several stations along the G line are undergoing renovations to improve accessibility features, such as the installation of elevators and ramps. These upgrades ensure that the G line remains accessible to all passengers, including those with mobility challenges.
Conclusion
The Crosstown (G) line has demonstrated resilience and adaptability in the face of unprecedented challenges. From consistent growth in the pre-pandemic years to a significant decline during the height of COVID-19, the G line's ridership trends reflect broader societal shifts and the dynamic nature of urban transit systems. The ongoing recovery in ridership, supported by strategic infrastructure enhancements and service improvements, positions the G line for a robust future. As New York City's population continues to grow and evolve, the G line remains a vital artery in the city's public transportation network, adapting to meet the needs of its diverse and expanding ridership.
References
Last updated February 15, 2025