As New Yorkers prepare to welcome 2026, the reliability of the subway becomes a critical concern for late-night celebrations. A recent analysis reveals a stark contrast in performance across different lines, with some being significantly more prone to delays than others.
B Train Retains Dubious Title of Most Delayed Line
For the second consecutive year, the B train has been crowned New York City's tardiest subway line. According to an analysis of MTA data by the New York Post, the B line arrived late up to 26% of the time in 2025. This marks a slight improvement from its dismal 2024 performance, where it was on time only 65.1% of the time, a rate worse than its 2019 low of 65.4%.
This past year, the B train managed an average on-time rate of 78.5%, with its worst service recorded in July at 74.1%. The line, a key route to Yankee Stadium running from the Bronx through Manhattan to Brighton Beach in Brooklyn, faces multiple challenges. It frequently shares tracks with other trains, particularly in Manhattan, causing slowdowns at major intersections. Additionally, much of its route still relies on antiquated signal systems.
System-Wide Performance: Improvements and Shortfalls
The B train is one of over a dozen lines that recorded on-time averages of 85% or less this year. The MTA's definition of "on-time" is generous, counting trains that arrive within five minutes of their scheduled time.
Following the B, the trains with the lowest 12-month on-time averages were:
- D train: 79.4%
- Q train: 79.7%
- M train: 80.4%
- F train: 81.5%
The G, J/Z, R, N, A, C, and 2 lines performed marginally better but still remained below the 85% threshold. Despite these figures, the MTA has framed this year's numbers as an improvement. In a December year-end report, New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow highlighted "good momentum," noting an overall 84.4% on-time average in November—the best November in modern history outside the pandemic era.
Bright Spots and Data-Driven Changes
On the brighter side, the L train was the system's most punctual in 2025, arriving on time roughly 90.3% of the time. It was followed closely by the 7 train (89.8%), the 6 train (89.6%), and the 1 train (89%). Save for the small shuttle services, the L was the only line to crack a 90% on-time arrival rate.
Crichlow credited recent scheduling updates for improvements on specific lines. After implementing timetable changes in November, the B train's on-time average jumped to 80.7% that same month. Similar updates on the C line produced a 9-point improvement from October, marking its best non-COVID monthly performance.
"Our shift toward data-driven operations and more advanced analytics also extends to stronger scheduling practices," Crichlow said. "Each schedule update is an opportunity to surgically pinpoint bottlenecks across the system and implement changes that improve the rider experience."
Systemwide, delays decreased by 3.2% since last year and 4.9% since 2019. The most significant improvements were seen on the C, 2, and B trains, which saw their on-time arrival averages increase by 15.5%, 14.4%, and 13.4% since 2024, respectively.
Calls for Further Action and Transparency
Despite the progress, a scathing September report from State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli argues the MTA could do more. DiNapoli urged the authority to target known delay-causing issues like planned work, police activity, and medical emergencies more effectively.
"Targeting problem areas like signals and issues with subway cars that add to delays can improve straphangers' experience and boost ridership," DiNapoli wrote. He noted that subway car problems are the "fastest-rising" cause of major incidents and suggested better collaboration with the Police Department, Fire Department, and Homeless Services to reduce delay-causing incidents.
"Above all, the MTA should be clear and open about the work it is prioritizing to reduce delays and how those actions will benefit the public," the comptroller added. As revellers plan their New Year's Eve journeys, this analysis provides a crucial guide to navigating the city's underground network, highlighting which lines offer a smoother ride and which may test one's patience.
