Transit officials are debating whether to reduce service on New York City’s subway and bus systems as ridership sputters during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The state-controlled Metropolitan Transportation Authority has so far avoided massive cuts to subway and bus service thanks to $8 billion in federal Covid-19 relief and $2.9 billion of federal borrowing to cover operating costs.

Some officials say targeted reductions are needed with ridership and fare revenues expected to linger below pre-pandemic levels for years. Others argue that reductions must be weighed against the need to avoid crowding and lure back passengers.

Representatives for the MTA said the authority constantly monitors and re-evaluates ridership. “It’s just a delicate public policy balance,” said Abbey Collins, an MTA spokeswoman.