$51 Billion Capital Investment Plan Sets Records for New York MTA

There are some very large contingencies still left to resolve (like funding from the federal government) but revenues generated from congestion pricing are allowing for new levels of transit infrastructure spending.

1 minute read

September 17, 2019, 5:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Subway Sign

littleny / Shutterstock

"The Metropolitan Transportation Authority hopes to commit $51 billion over the next five years to the resurrection of the region’s mass transit system," reports Dan Rubinstein.

The newly announced 2020-2024 MTA Capital Program is a game changer, significantly increasing the dollar figure on the agency's current capital investment plan. The money would be spent on improving accessibility to 66 subway stations, resignaling portions of six subway lines, new buses (including 500 all-electric buses), and the second phase of the Second Avenue Subway.

"While the program relies on funding from the congestion pricing scheme set to go into effect in 2021, as well as excess revenue from the MTA’s bridges and tunnels, it — crucially — also relies on nearly $11 billion in funding from the Trump administration, $3 billion from the de Blasio administration, and $3 billion from the state. The governor is on board. It’s not clear where the de Blasio and Trump administrations stand."

More details of the new plan are available in a press release from the New York MTA, published on September 16, 2019, and a New York Times article by Emma G. Fitzsimmons.

Monday, September 16, 2019 in Politico

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 11, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Metrorail train pulling into newly opened subterranean station in Washington, D.C. with crowd on platform taking photos.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”

The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

June 2, 2025 - The Hill

Large crowd on street in San Francisco, California during Oktoberfest festival.

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns

In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

June 2, 2025 - Robbie Silver

Color-coded map of labor & delivery departments and losses in United States.

The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace

In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.

June 15 - Maine Morning Star

Street scene in Kathmandu, Nepal with yellow minibuses and other traffic.

The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs

Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.

June 15 - Fast Company

Bike lane in Washington D.C. protected by low concrete barriers.

DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint

Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.

June 15 - The Washington Post