Class Accelerates Front Line Workforce Regrowth Following Pandemic-Induced Hiring Freeze    

New Class Joins Hundreds of Bus Operators, Train Operators and Conductors Who Completed Training in 2021 and 2022  

View Photos of Today’s Graduation 

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced that 48 new subway train operators graduated following their successful completion of training at the New York City Transit Learning Center in Brooklyn.      

These operators will help New York City Transit tackle crew shortages and bolster the frequency of subway service. This marked the end of months of intensive training for operators that began in December 2021. The graduation took place as New York City Transit Subway ridership hovers between 60% and 70% of pre-pandemic levels.     

“By aggressively recruiting and increasing class sizes, we have been able to onboard hundreds of new train operators,” said New York City Transit President Richard Davey. “Our riders are using mass transit to get to work, school and everything New York City has to offer this summer, and this new class of train operators will help get them there.” 

“Despite staffing challenges, we are focused on bringing staffing back to pre-pandemic levels and providing the best possible service for our riders” said New York City Transit Senior Vice President of Subways Demetrius Crichlow. “Subway operators have kept the city moving and will continue to bring New York City back.” 

The new employees join the hundreds of bus and train operators and conductors who recently completed their training — part of a deliberate effort by the MTA to rapidly grow the number of bus operators, subway train operators and conductors. A hiring freeze, necessitated by a fiscal crisis that developed during the pandemic, depleted the ranks of train operators with many veteran workers retiring or leaving their frontline posts.