According to Wikipedia&#x27;s stats, the population of New York declined slightly between 1950-1960, recovered 1960-1970, and then declined again, more sharply, 1970-1980. The big growth years started after 1980 - i.e. around the same time their ridership tracking began.<p>Correspondingly, the cultural legacy of New York as it started the 80&#x27;s was one of a city in disarray with trashed streets and little public order or prospects for a future - great material for gritty films about crime and societal breakdown. The economic situation and mood started changing over the course of the decade, and the image of &quot;Disneyfied New York&quot; finally emerged in the 90&#x27;s under Guliani&#x27;s mayorship.<p>So, going back to the original question, New York went through a rough period following WWII, and that combined with a broad switch to cars accounts for changes in ridership.