Funding MTA’s Capital Plan: A New Year’s Resolution to Keep
Janno Lieber, the Chair and CEO of the MTA, is on a mission to ensure the continued success and reliability of New York City’s transit system. Reflecting on the progress made since taking on his role in 2021, Lieber highlights the remarkable growth in subway ridership, with an average of 2.3 million weekday riders in 2021 soaring to 4 million today, even on Fridays. Just last Thursday, a record-breaking 4.5 million riders took the subway, marking the highest single-day ridership in almost five years.
Investing in Infrastructure for the Future
Despite these impressive numbers, Lieber emphasizes the need for ongoing investments in infrastructure to sustain this momentum. Pointing to the outdated components and assets within the transit system, some dating back to the Franklin D. Roosevelt administration, Lieber stresses the importance of bringing these facilities into the 21st century. He cites a recent major service disruption in Brooklyn caused by a fire at a 90-year-old substation, leaving thousands of customers stranded for hours.
Advocating for Critical Funding
To address these challenges, Lieber has proposed a 2025-2029 Capital Plan that prioritizes State of Good Repair work and upgrades to essential but often overlooked facilities. While acknowledging that infrastructure investments may not be the most exciting topic, Lieber remains steadfast in his commitment to securing the necessary funding to maintain and improve service reliability.
A Call to Action
Lieber’s message is clear: the time to act is now. By finalizing and fully funding the new Capital Plan, New York City can avoid a return to the infrastructure problems and delays that plagued the transit system in the past. As decision-makers consider the importance of mass transit in driving the city’s success, Lieber remains determined to see this vital plan through to completion.
Janno Lieber’s dedication and vision for the future of the MTA serve as a reminder of the crucial role that public transportation plays in the daily lives of millions of New Yorkers. As we look ahead to a new year, let us all join in supporting efforts to ensure a safe, reliable, and efficient transit system for generations to come.