NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- The MTA still doesn't have enough subway operators and conductors for full subway service.
The beleaguered agency is trying to catch up after a pandemic hiring freeze that left the MTA short staffed ended in October.
There are currently 7,825 people who operate subway trains — 430 less than than staffed the subway at the start of the pandemic,
That shortage left the MTA unable to run 6% of rush-hour subway trains in February.
Interim NYC Transit President Craig Cipriano told the New York Daily News that more crew members are currently being trained, and the MTA expects a return to pre-pandemic staffing levels soon.
The MTA has cut training times from eight months down to six months in an attempt to get more staff on the tracks.
