MTA celebrates graduation day for new group of train operators

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced that 10 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 November 2021. The graduation took place as New York City Transit Subway ridership hovers between 50% and 60% of pre-pandemic levels.

“This class of train operators highlights the MTA’s focus on hiring and training improvements to achieve pre-pandemic staffing levels.” said New York City Transit President Richard Davey. “I am proud to welcome the newest group of New York City Transit train operators; together we will provide faster and more reliable service for our customers.”

“Riders coming back to the system deserve reliable service, and these operators will help address the staffing challenges we’ve experienced,” said New York City Transit Senior Vice President of Subways Demetrius Crichlow. “Since the early days of the pandemic, train operators have been part of the group that kept the city moving, and I am excited to see this new group help bring the 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.