STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Millions of New Yorkers are expected to travel throughout the region during the upcoming holidays, with many relying on mass transit to get them where they need to go.
On some holidays, like Christmas and New Year’s, agencies run reduced service to match holiday ridership, which is typically lower than a traditional day.
The MTA and Port Authority have outlined all service changes that will be implemented in the coming weeks, giving commuters a head start on planning their holiday travels.
Here’s what you need to know.
MTA BUSES
Christmas Eve
On Saturday, Dec. 24, buses will run on a Saturday schedule.
Christmas Day
On Sunday, Dec. 25, buses will run on a Sunday schedule, and on Monday, Dec. 26, buses will run on a Saturday schedule, with the exception of Staten Island buses, which will run on a Sunday schedule.
Monday, Dec. 26
Buses will run on a Saturday schedule, with the exception of Staten Island buses, which will run on a Sunday schedule.
Tuesday, Dec. 27 – Friday, Dec. 30
Most New York City Transit and MTA Bus Company buses will run on reduced weekday schedules, as most schools will be closed. The following bus routes that normally have local and limited-stop services will only operate with local service: M1, M4, Q4, Q5, Q17, Q27, Q36, Q43, Q46, Q83, Q85.
New Year’s Eve
On Saturday, Dec. 31, buses will run on a Saturday schedule.
New Year’s Day
On Sunday, Jan. 1, buses will run on a Sunday schedule.
Monday, Jan. 2
Buses will run on a Saturday schedule, with the exception of Staten Island buses, which will run on a Sunday schedule.
MTA SUBWAYS
Christmas Eve
On Saturday, Dec. 24, subways will run on a Saturday schedule with some exceptions:
2 and 3 trains will run local in both directions between 96 St and 72 St from 10 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 23, to 5 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 27
Manhattan-Bound D trains will skip 155 St from 11:45 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 23 to 5 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 26.
Christmas Day and Christmas Day Observed
On Sunday, Dec. 25, and Monday, Dec. 26, subways will run on a Sunday schedule.
Tuesday, Dec. 27 – Friday, Dec. 30
Weekdays, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., M trains will run via the J to Chambers St and will not operate via SIxth Avenue or Queens Blvd Lines. At other times, M service will be normal.
Between 4:45 a.m. Monday, Dec. 26, and 5 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, E trains will run via the F line between W 4 St and Jackson Hts - Roosevelt Av. Overnight, Manhattan-bound E trains will run express from Forest Hills-71 Av to Jackson Hts - Roosevelt Av.
New Year’s Eve
On Saturday, Dec. 31, subways will run on a Saturday schedule with some exceptions.
Extra subway service will run on the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, C, D, L, N, R, Q and 42 St S lines on New Year’s Eve to help customers get to the festivities.
Beginning at 11:45 a.m., northbound 1 trains will skip 50 St, and N, Q, R trains will skip 49 St in both directions.
Manhattan-Bound D trains will skip 155 St from 11:45 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 30, to 5 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 1.
New Year’s Day & New Year’s Day Observed
On Sunday, Jan. 1, and Monday, Jan. 2, subways will run on a Sunday schedule.
Christmas 2022: What’s open, closed in NYC on Dec. 25 and Dec. 26
With the holiday falling on a Sunday this year, many offices will be closed on Monday.
PORT AUTHORITY
The Port Authority is expecting to handle nearly 11 million travelers at the agency’s airports and crossings during the winter holiday season, which spans from Friday, Dec. 23, through Monday, Jan. 2.
Port Authority airports are expected to handle approximately 4 million travelers during the aforementioned time span, representing roughly 95% of the nearly 4.3 million air travelers in 2019, prior to pandemic.
Due to the return of higher passenger volumes, the Port Authority has advised to allow for additional time at the airports, recommending that all domestic travelers arrive at least two hours before their flight, and that all international travelers arrive at least three hours early.
Travelers should also keep in mind that a major snowstorm could become a bomb cyclone later this week — bringing high winds to the East Coast, and major airlines have already started to offer travel waivers.
With approximately 7 million vehicles expected to use the Port Authority’s six crossings during the holiday season, all non-emergency construction work has been cancelled from Friday, Dec. 23, through Monday, Jan. 2.
The PATH rail system, operated by the Port Authority, will operate on a standard Saturday schedule on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
The Port Authority has reminded travelers that masks are no longer required at the agency’s New York and New Jersey facilities, but are welcome for all who choose to wear them.
ADDITIONAL STORIES
Staten Island speed cameras issued $15M+ in fines in 2022. We break down the top 20.
Port Authority toll increases: How much more will Staten Islanders pay in 2023?
MTA Santa Express: Bus delivers toys to kids in Staten Island hospitals
See the MTA subway service changes planned for NYC in 2023
The agency says the modifications will better allocate resources based on post-COVID travel trends.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
