On November 14, 2021, something remarkable happened in Washington, D.C. After years of talk, promises, and failed attempts, President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) into law. Finally, fixing our roads, bridges, and transit systems wasn’t just an idea—it was real.
Thanks to this landmark law, New York received nearly $27 billion to transform its infrastructure. A big chunk of that, $10 billion, went directly to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). For New Yorkers, whose daily lives revolve around public transit, this was a game-changer.
The MTA is the heartbeat of New York City, connecting millions of people to jobs, schools, and everything in between. Yet, for years, transit funding often felt like an afterthought. But this time was different. Advocates and leaders pushed hard to make sure public transit got the attention—and money—it deserves.
Fast forward to today, and while politics in Washington have shifted, one thing hasn’t changed: New Yorkers still need safe, reliable public transit. Now it’s Albany’s turn to step up. When Governor Hochul and the state legislature kick off their next session in January, they’ll have a critical task—funding the MTA’s 2025-2029 Capital Plan.
This plan isn’t just about keeping trains running on time. It’s about shaping the future of our city and protecting it from challenges like climate change. It’s an investment in a transit system that can handle the needs of today and tomorrow, while making our city more resilient to severe weather.
The stakes are high. The MTA isn’t just a way to get around—it’s the engine that powers New York’s economy. A recent study showed that a previous MTA investment plan generated $62 billion in economic activity and supported nearly 60,000 jobs a year. The new plan promises to do even more, creating jobs, boosting the economy, and making transit better for everyone.
One of the most exciting parts of the plan is the Interborough Express. This project will connect Brooklyn and Queens neighborhoods that haven’t had direct transit links since the days of trolleys. By adding this connection, the MTA will make it easier for people to travel across boroughs without going through Manhattan.
Another key part of the plan is preparing for climate change. We’ve all seen how storms can wreak havoc on our transit system. The MTA’s Resilience Roadmap outlines how to protect our infrastructure before disaster strikes. It’s clear that investing in prevention now is smarter—and cheaper—than rebuilding after the fact.
Congestion pricing, which finally got federal approval last month, is also part of the solution. By charging drivers to enter Manhattan’s busiest areas, congestion pricing will fund vital improvements like upgraded signals, new subway lines, and better accessibility for people with disabilities. Plus, it’ll ease traffic jams and help cut down on air pollution.
But let’s be honest—congestion pricing and the IIJA alone won’t solve all of the MTA’s challenges. Ridership patterns are changing, much of the infrastructure is over 100 years old, and climate change is an ever-growing threat. The MTA needs Albany to act.
The 2025-2029 Capital Plan is the next big step. If Albany fully funds it, we can build a transit system that keeps New York moving, supports our economy, and stands strong in the face of future challenges. It’s time to act. New Yorkers are counting on it.
