NYC subway had worst summer for service in years — but MTA boss insists it was ‘one of the best’

The summer of 2025 was a rough one for New York City subway riders, with massive meltdowns causing chaos and frustration. Despite the data showing that this summer had the most delay-causing major incidents in eight years, MTA Chair Janno Lieber boldly declared that it was one of the best summers in MTA history. However, a closer look at the numbers tells a different story.

Data from June, July, and August revealed a total of 194 major incidents, falling just short of the 217 incidents recorded in the disastrous summer of 2018. While August did see an improvement with 55 incidents, the overall trend was still troubling. The subway system faced 69 and 70 major incidents in June and July, respectively, before the slight reprieve in August.

When questioned about a proposed fare hike to $3 in light of the subway’s poor performance, Lieber defended the increase by pointing out that riding the subway is still cheaper than owning a car. He urged New Yorkers to focus on the positives and overlook the MTA’s budget woes and major projects like the Second Avenue subway.

However, subway riders were not convinced by Lieber’s optimistic outlook. Michelle Sanchez, who endured a sweltering 40-minute wait on a hot 6 train with her young son, vehemently opposed the fare increase. Another rider, Bernal Middleton, criticized the MTA for wanting to raise fares without improving service quality.

Despite the MTA’s claims of increased customer satisfaction, many riders remain dissatisfied with the subway service. The agency pointed to survey results showing a rise in customer satisfaction from 47% to 57%, but the reality on the ground tells a different story.

In conclusion, the summer of 2025 was a challenging time for subway riders in New York City. While MTA officials may try to spin the data in a positive light, the experiences of everyday commuters paint a different picture. As the MTA faces scrutiny over its service quality and proposed fare hikes, the future of New York City’s subway system remains uncertain.