MTA's On-Time Performance in April the Best in Five Years

New York trains are running on time more often because of additional vacuum trains, according to the New York MTA.

1 minute read

July 20, 2019, 5:00 AM PDT

By Casey Brazeal @northandclark


Queens Transit Station

Ryan DeBerardinis / Shutterstock

The MTA had good news when it announced it achieved an 82% on-time rate for April 2019, the best rate since October of 2013. On-time rates are one important indicator of the quality of service and it’s been an issue that has been dogging the agency. "Subway performance crashed at the start of 2013, measured at just 58% that January. The MTA credits its Subway Action Plan, launched in summer 2017, with much of the improvements," reports Ryan Deffenbaugh.

A subway plan launched six months ago included the deployment of more vacuum trains that suck up trash from the tracks that had in the past caused fires. According to the agency, much of the improvement in on-time performance has been due to removing this debris more efficiently.

Thursday, July 11, 2019 in Crains New York Business

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog