Enhanced subway and commuter rail service supports unprecedented crowd management during historic celebration
Enhanced Transit Service
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced enhanced service schedules for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day 2026. On New Year’s Eve, the MTA added extra subway and commuter rail service to accommodate the expected influx of revelers heading to Times Square. However, on New Year’s Day, most MTA agencies operated on weekend or holiday schedules, requiring attendees to plan accordingly for return trips.
Recommended Transit Routes
The best travel option to Times Square was via mass transit rather than personal vehicles due to extensive street closures. Multiple subway lines provided access including the 1, 2, 3, 7, A, B, C, D, E, F, M, N, Q, R, and W lines. Station entrances, particularly at 42nd Street, might close early, requiring passengers to plan alternative routes. Increased service and station access changes were expected from morning through midnight.
Platform Closures and Alternative Access
Station entrances may close early as crowd levels reached capacity. Passengers should anticipate increased service across the system but remain alert to access changes. Arriving early provided better access to viewing areas and less congested transit experiences.
Avoiding Vehicle Traffic
The NYPD directed vehicle closures beginning at approximately 11 a.m., with Seventh Avenue and Broadway from 38th to 59th streets closed to all traffic. Sixth and Eighth avenues closed to both vehicle and pedestrian traffic by 4 p.m. Attempting to drive to Times Square on New Year’s Eve was extremely inadvisable given the comprehensive street closure network.
Post-Celebration Transit
Following the midnight ball drop and subsequent America250 celebration at 12:04 a.m., millions of revelers would attempt to exit Times Square simultaneously. MTA service would remain enhanced into New Year’s Day morning hours. For complete transit information and real-time updates, see the Metropolitan Transportation Authority official website. For trip planning resources, see the MTA trip planning service.
