The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has requested a staggering $68.4 billion for its next capital improvement plan, making it the largest request ever made by the transit agency. This substantial figure sets up an intense battle in Albany to determine how this funding will be secured. MTA CEO Janno Lieber has left the responsibility of figuring out the financial details for the 2025-2029 plan to state lawmakers and Governor Kathy Hochul.
The current capital plan, spanning from 2020-2024, is worth just over $55 billion and has a $16.5 billion hole in its funding due to the paused congestion pricing scheme. MTA’s Lieber emphasizes the importance of transit systems to New York City and the region’s success and affordability. He believes that the $68 billion capital plan is the right size for maintaining an affordable mass transit system.
Governor Hochul acknowledged in July that congestion pricing revenue would be discussed as part of state budget talks in early 2023, possibly including a lower $15 toll to enter Manhattan below 60th Street. In response to the MTA’s proposal, Governor Hochul stated, “We will review the MTA’s proposal for the upcoming five-year capital plan and fight to secure as much funding as possible.
The federal government contributed approximately one-fifth of the last capital plan’s funding, which increased with the bipartisan infrastructure law passed in 2021. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) has previously stated that he cannot guarantee the same level of support from the federal government this time around, particularly if former President Donald Trump returns to office.
Advocacy group Citizens Budget Commission mostly supported MTA’s request, praising its focus on rebuilding and improving the system. However, CBC President Andrew Rein also noted that the MTA will still need to catch up due to past underinvestment in core infrastructure and ongoing expenses for expansion projects. Rein encouraged Governor Hochul to restart the congestion pricing plan, a sentiment echoed by advocacy groups Reinvent Albany and the Riders Alliance.
