NYC Weekly City Hall Recap: Citywide Translation Tech, $1B Coney Island Shoreline Plan, and 100 Gold Street Housing Conversion
This short City Hall–style recap frames the week as part of New York City’s “next chapter,” highlighting recent actions the administration says are aimed at improving day-to-day life for working-class New Yorkers. The narration positions the updates as proof the administration is “getting stuff done,” emphasizing operational changes and big capital commitments.
One major focus is language access: the city says it is rolling out language applications on all city-owned smart mobile devices and directing agencies to leverage translation technology. The stated goal is to improve communication with residents whose first language is one of the many languages spoken across the five boroughs.
The video also spotlights two large development and resiliency initiatives. First, it cites a $1 billion investment to renovate the Coney Island shoreline—reimagining the boardwalk, building flood-resilient infrastructure, upgrading public spaces, and adding 1,500 new homes. Second, it describes next steps in a housing initiative to convert the city-owned building at 100 Gold Street into a mixed-income residential project with 3,700 housing units (with at least 25% “permanently affordable”), plus 40,000 square feet of public space and new facilities for public use.
New York State is putting more than $300 million into hospital upgrades aimed at making care safer and more connected, Governor Kathy Hochul announced. The funding will support 22 projects statewide to improve health information technology, expand electronic medical records, strengthen cybersecurity to protect patient data, and grow telehealth services. State officials say the goal is to help hospitals—especially financially strained providers—modernize critical systems, reduce cyber risk, and make it easier for New Yorkers to access care remotely. The awards are part of New York’s broader push to improve hospital infrastructure and resilience across the state.
Governor Hochul Announces More Than $300 Million to Advance Health Information Technology and Cybersecurity in Hospitals Across New York State
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced more than $300 million in new state funding to support health care transformation projects across New York. The awards, made through the Statewide Health Care Facility Transformation Program IV and V, will support 22 projects aimed at improving health information technology by expanding patient electronic medical records, strengthening cybersecurity and patient information security, and expanding telehealth services.
“By modernizing our hospitals’ IT infrastructure and protecting patients’ information, we’re strengthening the foundation of health care in New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “These investments will help ensure that hospitals have the tools they need to safeguard patient data, expand telehealth services and deliver a healthier future for all New Yorkers.”
New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “With these investments, we are focused on developing safe, reliable and connected patient-centered care. By expanding data capabilities and improving cybersecurity defenses, we’re enhancing clinical decision making across the state’s health care network.”
This funding prioritizes projects that:
Support financially distressed providers;
Modernize critical health information technology infrastructure;
Strengthen cybersecurity and patient information security; and
Expand telehealth services.
Awardees include hospitals in every region of the State.
This investment builds on Governor Hochul’s continued efforts to strengthen New York’s health care delivery system. The Statewide Health Care Facility Transformation Program has awarded more than $1.75 billion to providers working to improve access, equity, and quality of care across New York. These awards are part of a broader, long-term commitment that has directed more than $4.7 billion in health care capital funding statewide since 2016.
Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State enacted nation-leading cybersecurity regulations for hospitals, establishing a robust blueprint to protect critical systems and enhance the resilience of the state’s health care network against cyber threats.
In Coney Island, Mayor Eric Adams announced a historic $1 billion investment to revitalize the iconic waterfront community, marking a major commitment in the final weeks of his administration. Reflecting on his early career as a transit police officer in the area, Adams highlighted Coney Island’s legacy as “America’s playground” while acknowledging past underinvestment. The plan includes constructing 1,500 new mixed-income homes (with 25% affordable), fully reconstructing the century-old Riegelmann Boardwalk, upgrading infrastructure such as streets and sewers, and renovating the Abe Stark Sports Center with a $42 million project to modernize its ice rink and facilities. Adams emphasized stabilizing life for residents, preventing displacement, and transforming the area into a year-round livable community rather than just a seasonal attraction.
Speakers, including Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue and EDC President Andrew Kimball, underscored the investment’s focus on climate resiliency amid rising sea levels and extreme weather. Detailed technical surveys have informed plans to rebuild the boardwalk from the ground up with storm-protective measures inspired by Superstorm Sandy, incorporating sustainable materials and elevated design for future flood protection. The project will proceed with extensive community engagement, with a request for proposals for design and construction expected in early 2026, followed by phased work to minimize disruption to beachgoers and businesses. Additional efforts include recent selections for nearby mixed-income housing and retail developments to support economic growth.
Community leaders and local officials praised the announcement as transformative, crediting Adams’ long-standing advocacy for Coney Island. Assemblyman Alec Brook-Krasny and others expressed gratitude, noting the mayor’s personal connection to the neighborhood and his administration’s record on affordable housing. During the Q&A, officials clarified that while no final decisions have been made on materials or exact timelines, the project will continue through the transition to the incoming administration, with potential adjustments at the new mayor’s discretion. The event concluded on a note of optimism for a more resilient, vibrant, and equitable Coney Island for generations to come.
Mayor Eric Adams announced a historic $1 billion investment to revitalize Coney Island, focusing on restoring the iconic Riegelmann Boardwalk, building 1,500 new mixed-income homes (with 25% affordable), upgrading infrastructure, and renovating the Abe Stark Sports Center. Speaking in Coney Island, Adams reflected on his early career as a transit officer in the area and emphasized the community’s long-standing need for investment, stating that residents should not be priced out and that life there should offer stability, not just seasonal tourism. He highlighted the boardwalk’s poor condition for decades and committed to making the waterfront a year-round place to live, work, and raise families.
Speakers including Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue and EDC President Andrew Kimball underscored the project’s focus on climate resiliency, with plans to reconstruct the boardwalk using durable, sustainable materials to withstand rising sea levels and extreme weather, informed by technical surveys and lessons from storms like Sandy. The initiative includes community engagement for design and phasing to minimize disruption, with an RFP for boardwalk construction expected in early 2026. Additional efforts involve new streets, sewers, open spaces, and recent developments like 500 mixed-income units and retail nearby.
Local leaders and partners expressed gratitude for Adams’ personal commitment to Coney Island, crediting his long advocacy and the administration’s record on affordable housing. During the Q&A, officials noted no final decisions on materials or exact timelines yet, emphasizing community input and resiliency measures, while acknowledging the incoming administration could review ongoing projects. The announcement was celebrated as a transformative step for a resilient, thriving Coney Island.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced that GFP Real Estate has been selected to transform the city-owned site at 100 Gold Street in Lower Manhattan into a major mixed-income housing development with approximately 3,700 new apartments, including more than 900 permanently affordable units created without HPD subsidy. The project will convert the outdated office building into a vibrant residential community featuring about 40,000 square feet of new public open space, a publicly accessible fitness center, and a modern, purpose-built older adult center, while relocating HPD and other city agencies to improved office space without disrupting services. Advanced under the Adams administration’s “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity” and broader pro-housing agenda, the redevelopment is part of a larger effort that has already created, preserved, or planned over 433,000 homes citywide and leverages new state tools like tax incentives for multifamily construction and office-to-residential conversions. NYCEDC, HPD, and GFP Real Estate will continue robust community engagement as the project moves through environmental review and aims to enter ULURP in 2027, with business, labor, and housing advocates highlighting 100 Gold Street as a model for using city-owned land to deliver large-scale, transit-oriented, mixed-income housing in a neighborhood rich with amenities.
Most Pro-Housing Administration in City History: Mayor Adams Announces Next Steps for Thousands of New Homes, Older Adult Center at 100 Gold Street
– New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the next steps in the transformation of a city-owned site at 100 Gold Street in Lower Manhattan into a new, mixed-income residential building. The city has selected GFP Real Estate to build approximately 3,700 units of high-quality, mixed-income housing, with a minimum of 25 percent of the homes required to be permanently affordable as more than 900 units of affordable housing are created without any subsidy from the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD). Additionally, proceeds from the disposition of the city-owned site will be used to acquire new office space for HPD and other agencies that currently occupy 100 Gold. GFP Real Estate will also build and maintain approximately 40,000 square feet of new public open space as well as a new state-of-the-art, publicly-accessible fitness center inside the building. Finally, the development will include an upgraded older adult center for the community. After Mayor Adams issued a historic executive order last year requiring city agencies to review their portfolios and identify potential sites for new housing, the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) led a competitive request for proposals (RFP) process to identify a developer for 100 Gold. Along with proposals to build thousands of new homes on city-owned sites like Flushing Airfield, Gansevoort Square, 390 Kent Avenue, and more, today’s announcement will help the Adams administration create, preserve, or plan over 433,000 homes for New Yorkers.
“From an abandoned airfield in Queens to an old office building in Manhattan, our administration is using every piece of land we have to build the housing we need,” said Mayor Adams. “With today’s announcement, we’ll give thousands of families an affordable place to live, thousands of city employees new high-quality office space, and all New Yorkers new public space and amenities to enjoy. Whether it’s passing the most pro-housing legislation in city history, creating record amounts of affordable housing, or issuing a historic executive order to turn city land into new homes, we are proud to be the most pro-housing administration in city history, and our record reflects exactly that.”
“100 Gold is exactly the kind of bold step New York needs to meet the moment on housing,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Adolfo Carrión, Jr. “With GFP Real Estate on board, we are creating thousands of homes, expanding affordability, and delivering new community amenities. And as this work advances, the city will secure a modern home for HPD, the dedicated-team driving our affordable housing mission”
“For decades, 100 Gold Street has been the physical nerve center of our work to expand affordable housing across the city. Transforming our headquarters into new homes at the scale made possible under this proposal is a bold expression of that mission. A building that has supported the people fighting for affordability will soon provide real homes for the New Yorkers we serve,” said HPD Acting Commissioner Ahmed Tigani. “With a dynamic and highly skilled team leading this commercial-to-residential conversion, we are leveraging our newly established land use tools and proven expertise to reimagine office space as a vibrant, mixed-use community. This project unlocks the full potential of the site, maximizes its transit-oriented development advantages, and welcomes new individuals and families into a neighborhood rich with amenities. By rethinking how we plan for city offices and applying every tool for thoughtful development, HPD is strengthening its ability to serve New Yorkers, deliver the housing this city urgently needs, and pursue our mission with renewed focus.”
“Transforming outdated city-owned sites into mixed-income housing is at the core of NYCEDC’s mission, and bold projects like 100 Gold are critical to tackling New York City’s ongoing affordability crisis,” said New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) President and CEO Andrew Kimball. “The historic redevelopment will deliver thousands of high-quality, mixed-income housing units and public amenities for New Yorkers, and NYCEDC is proud to partner with GFP Real Estate to bring this extraordinary vision to life in Lower Manhattan.”
GFP Real Estate is a proven family-owned real estate firm with over 70 years of experience in New York City. Their development experience positions them as a key driver of the Financial District’s shift from a traditional office hub to a vibrant mixed-use neighborhood, including 25 Water Street, the largest office-to-residential conversion in the country. GFP is also a leading developer of housing in the Financial District, with nearly 2,500 units completed or under development, including more than 620 designated as permanently affordable.
The current building — which was constructed in the 1960s and requires significant investments — currently houses the Hamilton-Madison House older adult center. The proposed development will include a new, purpose-built facility for the older adult center on site, reflecting feedback from months-long community outreach and engagement, that will deliver a substantial improvement in space, accessibility, and overall experience. During construction, a temporary facility will be provided nearby to ensure no disruption in service.
The release of this RFP follows public engagement with elected officials, Manhattan Community Board 1, and other key stakeholders. To date, NYCEDC has hosted two public engagement meetings and released a public survey. Following today’s announcement, the development team will conduct site due diligence and environmental review. The project anticipates certifying into the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) in 2027, where robust community engagement will continue.
“On behalf of GFP Real Estate, we are honored to have been selected by NYCEDC and HPD to advance the redevelopment of 100 Gold Street. We look forward to a collaborative process with the community, local leaders, and our partners in government,” said Brian Steinwurtzel, co-CEO and principal, GFP Real Estate.
“When public land is leased to private developers, the affordability of the upcoming project is always our top priority,” said New York City Councilmember Christopher Marte. “We look forward to working with the city and the development team to achieve this project to meet the affordability crisis that our city is facing.”
“This project is a smart, innovative means of addressing the city’s ongoing housing crisis while opening more accessible pathways for hardworking people to pursue the middle class,” said Gary LaBarbera, president, Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York. “Thanks to the wage and workforce development standards outlined in 485-x, the redevelopment of 100 Gold Street will not only help generate much-needed affordable homes but also help create family-sustaining union careers for our city’s tradesmen and tradeswomen. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with city leadership and GFP Real Estate to help this come to fruition in a manner that will improve the lives of countless New Yorkers.”
“By taking advantage of City of Yes zoning changes, this project will bring an incredible 3,700 new homes to Lower Manhattan,” said Andrew Fine, chief of staff and policy director, Open New York. “As we face rising rents and a critically low 1.4 percent vacancy rate, we must maximize opportunities on city-owned land to build more housing in every neighborhood. The scale of this project should be a model for the future.”
“The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce congratulates GFP Real Estate on being selected to lead the 100 Gold Project, which represents a pivotal moment in the continued evolution of Lower Manhattan into a vibrant, 24/7 mixed-use community,” said Jessica Walker, president and CEO, Manhattan Chamber of Commerce. “This development hits all the right notes: creating massive housing stock, upgrading community facilities, and expanding public space. We are proud to support this initiative, which will drive foot traffic to local businesses and ensure the Financial District remains a dynamic place to live, work, and visit.”
“The New York Building Congress applauds NYCEDC and GFP Real Estate for advancing this transformative vision for 100 Gold Street. This project delivers exactly what New York needs right now: thousands of new, premium mixed-income homes, including more than 900 permanently affordable units, 40,000 square-feet of new public open space, and a modern older adult center that strengthens services for our neighbors,” said Carlo A. Scissura, Esq., president and CEO, New York Building Congress. “Our city is in a real housing crisis, and 100 Gold is proof that we can rise to the moment with bold action, smart planning, and a commitment to building for every New Yorker. We are excited to support this effort and keep pushing for more projects that move our city forward.”
Since entering office, Mayor Adams has made historic investments to create more affordable housing and ensure more New Yorkers have a place to call home. Earlier this year, Mayor Adams announced that his administration has created, preserved, or planned approximately 426,800 homes for New Yorkers through its work through the end of the last fiscal year — a number which has already grown to over 433,250 homes to date. Mayor Adams also announced that, in Fiscal Year 2025, the Adams administration created the most affordable rental units in city history and celebrated back-to-back-to-back record-breaking years for producing permanently-affordable homes for formerly-homeless New Yorkers, placing homeless New Yorkers into housing, and connecting New Yorkers to housing through the city’s housing lottery.
In addition to creating and preserving record amounts of affordable and market-rate housing for New Yorkers, the Adams administration has also passed ambitious plans that will create tens of thousands of new homes as well. Last December, Mayor Adams celebrated the passage of City of Yes for Housing Opportunity, the most pro-housing proposal in city history that will build 80,000 new homes over 15 years and invest $5 billion in critical infrastructure updates and housing.
Building on the success of City of Yes for Housing Opportunity, Mayor Adams unveiled his “City of Yes for Families” strategy in his State of the City address earlier this year to build more homes and create more family-friendly neighborhoods across New York City. Under City of Yes for Families, the Adams administration is advancing more housing on city-owned sites, creating new tools to support homeownership, and building more housing alongside schools, playgrounds, grocery stores, accessible transit stations, and libraries.
Further, the Adams administration is actively working to strengthen tenant protections and support homeowners. The “Partners in Preservation” program was expanded citywide in 2024 through a $24 million investment in local organizations to support tenant organizing and combat harassment in rent-regulated housing. The Homeowner Help Desk, a trusted one-stop shop for low-income homeowners to receive financial and legal counseling from local organizations, was also expanded citywide in 2024 with a $13 million funding commitment.
Finally, Mayor Adams and members of his administration successfully advocated for new tools in the 2024 New York state budget that are already helping spur the creation of urgently needed housing. These tools include a new tax incentive for multifamily rental construction, a tax incentive program to encourage office conversions to create more affordable units, lifting the arbitrary “floor-to-area ratio” cap that held back affordable housing production in certain high-demand areas of the city, and the ability to create a pilot program to legalize and make safe basement apartments.
This video report covers a shocking attack in the New York City subway, where a homeless man was set on fire while sleeping on a train in Midtown. Reporters recap the details of the incident and emphasize how brutal and senseless this act of violence was. The story fits into a broader conversation about safety on public transit and raises serious questions about how vulnerable people are protected in the city’s subway system.
The segment provides an important update on the victim’s condition. Viewers learn that he has already undergone one surgery and will need another due to severe burns. The report shows a photo from the hospital shared by his family and notes that doctors expect a long and difficult recovery. The coverage also highlights the medical challenges ahead and the kind of support the man will need as he fights for his life.
Another key part of the story focuses on his family. Relatives explain that they had been searching for him for weeks and only recently learned that he was the victim of this attack. Their emotions—shock, pain, and relief that he is at least alive and found—give a deeply human dimension to the news. The segment concludes with information about the ongoing investigation, a call for witnesses to come forward, and renewed discussion about safety measures and support for people living on the streets and using public transportation.
The NYC Workforce Development Board meeting on December 3, 2025, co-chaired by Merryill from Partnership for New York City and Audrey Pal, focused on enhancing discussion time and strategic planning amid a mayoral transition. Key updates included finalization of the 2025-2029 WIOA local plan, receipt of delayed federal funding tranches, and anticipation of a 2026 federal compliance audit. The board approved October meeting minutes and recognized members appointed to the incoming mayor’s transition committees. Doug Lafari, Executive Director, emphasized the board’s role in shaping workforce priorities, while the ongoing strategic roadmap—drawing from over 200 participants and 550 ideas—was slated for early 2026 release to guide the new administration.
Valerie Mulligan from the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) highlighted the Community Resources for Employment and Development (CRED) program, a comprehensive initiative for ages 18-40 facing barriers like justice involvement or low income, offering paid training ($20/hour), internships, wraparound services, and job placement across sectors like healthcare and construction. With 16 providers funded at ~$780,000 each annually (scaling to 2,000 slots), success stories included CDL credentialing and culinary placements. Discussion addressed prescriptive staffing requirements and procurement flexibility. Randy from Small Business Services (SBS) updated on Workforce One contracts, noting improved placements, professional development, and Jobs NYC events reaching thousands, while Commissioner Pearson explained a strategic $41.7M carry-in budget to maintain stability amid shrinking federal awards.
Bylaws Revision, SNAP/Medicaid Work Requirements, and Closing
The board voted to revise outdated bylaws to strengthen governance, reporting timelines, procurement oversight, and priority-setting, with a redlined version forthcoming for feedback. Scott French from the Human Resources Administration detailed new federal SNAP Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) work requirements (80 hours/month starting March 2026 post-waiver), exemptions, and compliance pathways, plus upcoming Medicaid rules, emphasizing partnerships for community service and workforce connections to minimize benefit loss for potentially hundreds of thousands. Group discussions raised concerns over system strain, nonprofit roles, seasonal workers, and coordination needs. The meeting adjourned after planning 2026 calendars, underscoring collaborative efforts amid policy changes.
In the NYC Mayor’s Office “Week in Review” video for November 29 to December 5, 2025, Mayor Adams highlighted a landmark $38.9 million settlement with Starbucks, the largest worker protection settlement in city history, requiring over $35.5 million in restitution to more than 15,000 baristas for violations of the Fair Workweek Law, emphasizing accountability regardless of company size. The administration also celebrated the opening of the “Harlem Field of Dreams,” an $11 million renovation of Brigadier General Charles Young Playground into a state-of-the-art multi-sport turf field serving over 800 young athletes. Additional investments included creating Brooklyn’s first “blue belt” in Prospect Park with nature-based solutions to combat climate-induced flooding, and $30 million in capital funding for Staten Island public spaces, including the zoo, Bloomingdale Park Playground, and Snug Harbor Cultural Center.
Combating Antisemitism and Executive Actions
Mayor Adams addressed rising antisemitism by traveling to New Orleans for the Combat Antisemitism Movement Conference and African American Mayors Association discussions. In response to a recent protest outside a Park Synagogue, he signed Executive Order 61 to protect New Yorkers’ right to pray peacefully without harassment, while upholding free speech and assembly rights, directing the NYPD to evaluate protest guidelines around houses of worship. Another executive order prohibited city leadership from boycotting or divesting from Israel, ensuring investment decisions remain financially sound and free from discriminatory practices.
Housing Progress and Ongoing Commitment
The video marked the one-year anniversary of the “City of Yes” housing initiative, declaring the Adams administration the most pro-housing in city history by reforming outdated zoning laws to build more affordable homes in every neighborhood. This revolutionary effort aims to tackle the housing crisis head-on, affirming a commitment to working-class New Yorkers. Overall, the week underscored continued progress in public safety, community spaces, equity, and affordability, with the administration focused on “getting stuff done” for residents.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation allowing local governments to offer property-tax exemptions of up to 65% for eligible senior homeowners, raising the previous cap from 50% for the first time in decades. Under the measure, known as S5175A/A3698A, municipalities can set income limits and other criteria to determine who qualifies, with state officials estimating potential savings of about $300 a year for the average senior on a fixed income. The change is aimed at helping roughly 1.8 million older New Yorkers remain in their homes amid rising housing costs and inflation, and comes as part of a broader affordability push that includes middle-class tax cuts, expanded child tax credits, inflation rebate checks and free school meals for all K–12 students.
Governor Hochul Authorizes Real Property Tax Exemptions for New York Seniors
Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation that enhanced real property tax exemptions for New York seniors. Legislation S5175A/A3698A allows localities to provide a real property tax exemption for senior citizens who meet the income eligibility limits, among other criteria, up to 65 percent percent of the assessed valuation of their properties. This legislation builds on the Governor’s affordability agenda, which included tax cuts for middle-class New Yorkers.
“No New York senior should lose their home because they can no longer afford their property taxes,” Governor Hochul said. “By signing this legislation, we are working to make New York more affordable for our seniors on fixed incomes and empowering them to age in place, at home, in the communities they know and love.”
The bill will give localities the option to offer real property tax exemptions of up to 65 percent to seniors living below the maximum income eligibility level set by the locality. Prior to, the maximum percentage of exemption local governments have been able to offer senior citizens was set at 50 percent and has not been raised in decades. Increasing the exemption from 50 percent to 65 percent could translate into savings of up to $300 annually for the average senior.
New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) Acting Director Greg Olsen said, “Governor Hochul is coming through yet again on making New York more affordable for individuals and their families. Property taxes, especially for those on fixed incomes, can often be difficult to afford. With more than 1.8 million older adults who own their own homes, this important law will continue to help older adults remain in the homes and communities of their choice and keeping their vast contributions within New York State.”
State Senator Leroy Comrie said, “Seniors have faced rising housing costs and inflation— oftentimes living on fixed income. Signing S5175A into law is an important step toward restoring real affordability for older adults across New York. This law allows localities to offer up to a 65 percent discount to eligible seniors so long-time homeowners can remain in their communities with dignity and security. I thank Governor Hochul, my colleagues and especially Assemblymember David Weprin for partnering to deliver meaningful support for the New Yorkers who helped build this state.”
Assemblymember David Weprin said, “I’m grateful for Governor Kathy Hochul’s commitment to improving affordability for all New Yorkers, including our senior citizen homeowners. By advancing this bill into law, we will provide relief from the burden of increasing real property taxes and ensure stability for elderly homeowners on low fixed incomes. I look forward to continued partnership with Governor Hochul and my fellow elected leaders to advance this critical affordability agenda.”
This legislation builds on Governor Hochul’s affordability agenda, which includes:
Middle-Class Tax Cut: Approximately 8.3 million New Yorkers will benefit from decreased tax rates, bringing middle-class taxes to their lowest levels in 70 years.
Child Tax Credit Expansion: The Child Tax Credit is increasing to up to $1,000 per child under the age of four and up to $500 for school-aged children, starting in 2026.
Inflation Refund Checks: Eligible New Yorkers have received up to $200 per person or $400 per family, reaching 8.2 million people.
Free School Meals: All K-12 students now have access to free breakfast and lunch, saving families up to $1,600 per child annually.
New York’s subway system logged fresh post-pandemic ridership highs, carrying 4.61 million riders on Dec. 3 and 4.63 million on Dec. 4, surpassing an October record and coming in roughly 6% above year-earlier levels, Gov. Kathy Hochul said. November on-time performance reached 84.4%, the strongest for that month since the pandemic, extending a run of improved reliability tied to service increases, new equipment and upgraded signals. At the same time, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority is accelerating the shift to its OMNY tap-and-ride payment system, with 94% of subway and bus trips now paid contactlessly and MetroCard sales scheduled to end Dec. 31, 2025, ahead of full phaseout in 2026. The MTA, which has rolled out OMNY card giveaways, 2,700 retail locations and 980 station vending machines, projects at least $20 million in annual savings from retiring MetroCard and moving to a single, fully contactless fare system.
Governor Hochul Announces Record Subway Ridership of 4.6 Million Riders and Best November for Subway Performance
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the New York City Subway surpassed 4.6 million riders, setting a post-pandemic ridership record, while also achieving an on-time performance record for November of 84.4 percent — the best November since the pandemic. On Wednesday, December 3, 4.61 million customers rode the subway, and on Thursday, December 4, 4.63 million customers rode the subway. Both days eclipsed the previous record set on October 29, 2025 of 4.6 million subway customers and were up 6 percent from the same dates in 2024. These milestones come as 94 percent of subway and bus trips are now paid with the MTA’s new contactless tap and ride system.
“The subway is the lifeblood of New York City, and thanks to our investments in safety and reliability, ridership continues to come roaring back,” Governor Hochul said. “We know our work is far from finished, and that’s why we’re investing in new subway cars, upgraded signals and tools like cameras and law enforcement to keep riders safe. The subway is already the best way to get around, and thanks to these investments, we are making it better than ever.”
The November OTP record extends the trend of historically strong subway performance in 2025. Subway on-time performance reached 85 percent in September — the best September in modern history — maintaining August’s 85.1 percent, which was the best August in a decade, and building on May’s record-setting 85.2 percent, the highest non-pandemic OTP on record. These gains coincide with service increases on the A and L lines, reducing wait times for more than 100,000 weekday riders. Beginning Monday, December 8, rush hour service will also increase on the M line.
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said, “No secret: transit is the best way to get around New York. When our subways are safe, frequent and reliable, people will use them more and more. That’s what’s happened and the records are going to keep coming.”
NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow said, “Hitting 4.6 million subway riders as we achieve another on-time performance milestone shows once again that when you deliver safe and reliable service riders will take it. We’re determined to carry this momentum into 2026, as we continue to tout all the opportunities available to riders to seamlessly switch to tap and ride.”
MTA Chief Customer Officer Shanifah Rieara said, “New Yorkers have embraced tap and ride and we’re proud to see that as more and more people return to the city, they are choosing mass transit. As the end of MetroCard sales nears, we are focusing on reaching the remaining 6 percent to make the switch and unlock the benefits and convenience of tap and ride technology.”
In an effort to facilitate the transition to Tap and Ride, the MTA recently launched an OMNY Card Giveaway on November 18, where the first 400 customers at every Customer Service Center could transfer their MetroCard balance to fee-waived OMNY cards. These fee-waived OMNY cards are currently available at the following nine Customer Service Centers while supplies last:
125 St 4 5 6
161 St-Yankee Stadium B D 4
168 St-Broadway A C 1
E. 177 St-Parkchester 6
Fordham Rd B D
Myrtle Av J M Z
St. George, Staten Island Railway (SIR)
Stillwell Av-Coney Island D F N Q
Sutphin Blvd F
By the end of the year, fourteen new Customer Service Centers will open at locations across the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens. The first 400 customers to visit those new Customer Service Centers and transfer their MetroCard balances to OMNY will also be able to receive the promotional fee-waived OMNY cards.
As announced in March, the last day to purchase or reload a MetroCard will be December 31, 2025, with the acceptance of MetroCards ending in mid-2026. While the Tap and Ride payment system doesn’t require an OMNY card and allows riders to pay fares directly with digital wallets and contactless bank cards, customers will find it twice as easy to purchase or reload an OMNY card with a robust OMNY retail network currently at 2,700 locations — more than double the MetroCard partnering locations.
The MTA has also installed 980 OMNY card vending machines across all 472 subway stations. And, most recently, shared a list of 102 opportunities for members of the public who live in bus-reliant areas to transfer MetroCard balances to the OMNY cards for those who opt to use the physical card.
By eliminating the sale of MetroCard and fully transitioning to one fare collection method, the MTA expects to save at least $20 million annually in costs related to MetroCard production and distribution; vending machine repairs; and cash collection and handling. Moving to a contactless payment also unlocks potential for new customer-friendly promotions and fare discounts.
