How many MTA employees are there?

Every day, the MTA's 70,000 employees run the world-class transportation network that millions of New Yorkers depend on. If you're passionate about public service, the MTA is the place to be.



As of early 2026, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) in New York remains one of the largest public employers in the United States, with a workforce of approximately 74,800 employees. This massive team is responsible for moving nearly 6.5 million people daily across the subway, bus, and commuter rail networks. The majority of these workers—roughly 54,500—are dedicated to New York City Transit and the MTA Bus Company. The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North Railroad employ about 15,000 personnel, while the Bridges and Tunnels division operates with approximately 1,000 staff members. Additionally, around 700 employees focus on Construction and Development, with another 3,500 based at MTA Headquarters handling essential administrative, safety, and financial functions. This "people-powered" operation accounts for the majority of the MTA’s $19.9 billion operating budget, reflecting the high labor intensity required to keep the city's complex transit infrastructure running 24/7.

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The annual operating revenue of the public transportation operator in New York (MTA) amounted to almost 5.8 billion U.S. dollars in 2021. This represented a significant increase amid the COVID-19 pandemic of around 22.14 percent compared to the previous year.

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This daily revenue is from the following sources: * US$19.8 million from dedicated taxes, local taxes and state taxes. * US$17.5 million from passenger ticket sales for public transport use. * US$ 5.5 million from bridge and tunnel tolls.

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For the last 40 years, the MTA has taken out loans to help pay for new tracks, stations, trains and buses — and maintain the ones it already owns. Money from fares, tolls and taxes pays back the lenders, plus interest. That business model worked until the pandemic sent ridership plummeting.

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The average Train Driver in the US makes $47,287. Train Drivers make the most in San Francisco, CA at $70,953, averaging total compensation 50% greater than the US average.

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Participants are able to retire with an unreduced pension at age 63 with at least 10 years of Credited Service. Participants with 10 years of Credited Service may retire with a reduced pension earlier than age 63 but no earlier than age 55 (see the Early Retirement section).

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MTA is a corporate entity separate and apart from the State of New York (the "State"), without any power of taxation frequently called a "public authority." MTA has the responsibility for developing and implementing a unified mass transportation policy for The City of New York (the "City") and Dutchess, Nassau, Orange, ...

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