NEW YORK (PIX11) – MTA officials and state leaders unveiled a $68 billion plan for improvements in the subway, bus and railroads on Wednesday, but questions loom as to how it's being paid for.
MTA Chairman Janno Lieber had no specific mention of congestion pricing in his initial opening remarks. The agency expressed confidence in funding from the state and other sources.
The plan focuses on repairs and maintenance to the subway system. It also proposes 60 new accessibility projects and elevators at stations.
Signals, power sources, new train cars and upgrades to shops and yards are key items, according to MTA officials.
The agency releases a plan of investments to modernize and fortify the system every five years. In the past, the MTA has specifically mentioned congestion pricing and other funding sources.
In June, congestion pricing was set to take effect. The fee to travel south of 60th Street in Manhattan would be used to fund transit.
Gov. Kathy Hochul paused the program amid concerns about the timing and cost.
The governor's office issued a statement that began by referencing previous investments in transit, including the Second Avenue Subway and funding the MTA's "fiscal cliff" and budget issues last year.
"We will review the 5-year capital proposal and fight to secure as much funding as possible. That includes pressuring Washington to deliver additional infrastructure dollars and working with our partners in the Legislature and City Hall to determine priorities and capacity during the upcoming budget negotiations," the governor's office wrote in a statement.
The agency submits the proposal to a review board in Albany by Oct. 1.
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