Leaders representing New York public transportation riders, business leaders, construction laborers and academia today reacted to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s proposed 2020-2024 Capital Plan, which was unanimously approved today by the MTA’s Board. Their comments are below. Details of capital plan are available at https://new.mta.info/2020CapitalProgram.

 

Gary LaBarbera, President, Building & Construction Trades of Greater New York, said: “We are beyond pleased that the MTA five-year Capital Program was unanimously approved. The plan will go down in history as one of the most important investments ever made by the State of New York in our transit network. From subway station modernization and accessibility to bridge upgrades and repair, the MTA Capital Program will create a faster, more accessible and more reliable transportation system. The investment will create thousands of high-quality, good-paying, middle-class union jobs with benefits.”

 

Steven Rubenstein, Chairman of the Association for a Better New York, said: “Funding our mass transit is not only essential for our city’s economic future, it will create a more efficient, accessible, and modern system. We applaud the MTA for approving this essential budget and making tremendous strides for all New Yorkers.”

 

Mitchell L. Moss, Director of New York University’s Rudin Center for Transportation Policy & Management, said: “The MTA Capital Plan is essential to the future economic health and vitality of New York City and the surrounding region. The leadership of the MTA has launched a bold and intelligent plan that will transform the way in which New Yorkers live - by improving our subways, buses and commuter rail systems.”

 

John Raskin, Executive Director of the Riders Alliance, said: “The MTA capital plan approved today is a big step toward the reliable transit system we need. It's ambitious in scope and tackles the big problems like modernizing signal technology and making more subway stations accessible. If this work happens as planned, the transit system will truly be on the road to repair. Fixing the transit system will require years of work and ongoing dedication from the governor and members of the legislature. Today's vote is just one step on that path, but it's an important step and we're heading in the right direction.”

 

Kathryn Wylde, President and CEO of the Partnership for New York City, said: “The MTA Board’s unanimous approval of a $51.5 billion, five year capital plan signals consensus on a program that, when successfully implemented, will dramatically improve our regional transit system. We congratulate the MTA leadership and Governor Cuomo for laying out clear priorities and the funding commitments required to achieve them. Through the Transit Innovation Partnership, the business community is working closely with the Governor and the MTA to ensure that New York becomes the global leader in public transportation. Nothing is more important to New York’s economic well-being.”

 

Carlo A. Scissura, Esq., President & CEO, New York Building Congress, said: “The MTA’s capital plan is one of the most ambitious investments in New York City's transit infrastructure in modern history. The New York Buildings Congress is encouraged to see a plan that will unlock billions of dollars to improve our transportation system and provide New Yorkers with the service they deserve. It’s critical that all members of the building industry are included as partners throughout this revitalization plan.”