METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

MTA Makes Investments to Combat Climate Change, Improve Service

Through 19 different procurements, $2.5 billion will be invested to enhance resiliency efforts to combat climate change and more.

MTA Makes Investments to Combat Climate Change, Improve Service

The MTA is piloting its first-ever local hiring goals for Jamaica Bus Depot, Rockaway Line, and ADA projects in order to create job opportunities in the local communities where these projects take place.

Photo: MTA

4 min to read


The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced that MTA Construction & Development contracts will be awarded in multiple projects for Bridges & Tunnels, Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North Railroad, and New York City Transit (NYCT) following MTA Board approval.

Through 19 different procurements, $2.5 billion will be invested to enhance resiliency efforts to combat climate change, aid in the MTA’s mission to go green, make the transit system more accessible to all through ADA upgrades, and ensure riders have safe, efficient, and reliable commutes, according to the MTA's news release.

Ad Loading...

Design-Build contracts will be awarded for redeveloping the Jamaica Bus Depot in Queens, ADA upgrades, and elevator replacements at 12 subway stations across four boroughs, resiliency and rehabilitation efforts on the Rockaway Line in Queens, and Fulton Av and South St Bridge repairs on Metro-North’s New Haven Line. Contracts for the Rockway Line, ADA upgrades, elevator replacements, and the Fulton Av and South St bridges were made possible through federal funding.    

The MTA said it is piloting its first-ever local hiring goals for Jamaica Bus Depot, Rockaway Line, and ADA projects in order to create job opportunities in the local communities where these projects take place. For these three projects, the MTA has set a goal that at least 20% of the New York State workforce come from neighborhoods surrounding the project — in Southeast Queens for the Jamaica Bus Depot and Rockaway Line, and around the station areas planned for ADA upgrades.

“These projects will ensure the MTA meets the needs of today’s riders while fighting climate change, expanding accessibility, and making sure our transit infrastructure is kept in condition to keep delivering for the next century and beyond,” said Janno Lieber, MTA CEO. “This month, the MTA is proudly investing $2.5 billion to ensure the system continues to be the fastest, greenest, and most reliable way for everyone to get around the New York metro region.”

As part of the Jamaica Bus Depot in Jamaica, the MTA has approved a contract to redevelop the depot to enable a capacity for 60 electric buses with 60 charging stations. Once open in the summer of 2026 the depot will accommodate over 270 buses. By 2030, the depot is expected to accommodate an all-electric bus fleet.

The contract will be awarded pending Board approval for an estimated $483 million to cover 48 months with the awardee required to adhere to regulatory requirements including excessive noise, dust, and emissions, among other potential nuisances to the nearby community. 

Ad Loading...

This project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. 

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) upgrades are also coming to riders at several subway stations across four boroughs following Board approval. Stations in Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Manhattan will all undergo upgrades to enhance accessibility.

Repairs to the 19 elevators at the above seven stations are expected to cost an estimated $92 million to be accomplished through two procurements, according to the MTA. 

“The four stations that will be made newly accessible through this project serve a diverse group of riders across four boroughs, from City College students to seniors aging in place in the Bronx,” said Quemuel Arroyo, MTA chief accessibility officer. “By deepening the commitment to accessibility through these elevator installations and replacement projects, the communities who rely on mass transit the most will directly benefit from this multi-million-dollar investment.” 

A contract will be awarded to conduct rehabilitation and resiliency work on the Rockaway Line serving the A and S trains in Queens.

Ad Loading...

This project includes designing, furnishing, and installing structure rehabilitation elements in addition to slope protection and debris shielding.

Pending board approval, the contract will be awarded for 44 months at an estimated cost of $392 million.

A Design-Build contract will be awarded following Board approval to replace bridges at Fulton Avenue and South Street in Mount Vernon, New York.

The 153-foot Fulton Avenue and 73-foot South Street bridges represent the final two bridges to undergo repairs.    

This is a 27-month contract for an estimated cost of $37 million with the contract awardee providing all planning, design, and engineering services to comply with MTA Construction & Development requirements.

More Management

A blue and white graphic with text reading "New Bill to Strengthen America's Transit Workforce."
Managementby News/Media ReleaseApril 22, 2026

New Bill Aims to Strengthen America’s Transit Workforce

Legislation would expand funding for training, apprenticeships, and workforce development as agencies face staffing shortages and evolving technology demands.

Read More →
Nashville SC mascot poses in front of a purple WeGo Transit bus.
Managementby Elora HaynesApril 22, 2026

Transit Takes Sports Fans Where They Want To Go

In this photo gallery, see how transit agencies and sports teams collaborate to move fans efficiently and enhance the game day experience.

Read More →
An Amtrak Acela train at New York Penn Station
Managementby StaffApril 21, 2026

USDOT Announces $6.7B for Northeast Corridor, Nationwide Rail Upgrades

Under Secretary Duffy, the grant program’s revamped criteria will prioritize safety; the American family; and workforce development, job quality, and wealth creation, according to a press release.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A group of people pose for a picture outside.
Managementby Staff and News ReportsApril 20, 2026

WeGo Journey Pass Enrollment Reached 10,000 in April

Nashville’s fare-free, income-based transit pilot hits a major milestone, expanding access and reshaping daily mobility for thousands of riders.

Read More →
A photo of a San Antonio VIA Metropolitan Transit zero-emission bus.
Busby Staff and News ReportsApril 20, 2026

Recovery and Risk Define the Transit Bus Market in 2025

A 5% rise in deliveries and a surge in zero-emission buses signaled progress in 2025, but high costs, long lead times, and shifting funding priorities continue to cloud the outlook.

Read More →
People Movement for April, 17, 2026
Managementby StaffApril 17, 2026

People Movement: New NTSB Vice Chair, HDR, and More

METRO’s People Movement highlights the latest leadership changes, promotions, and personnel news across the public transit, motorcoach, and people mobility sectors.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A picture of a San Diego MTS railcar and bus at a transit station.
Managementby StaffApril 17, 2026

San Diego Transit Agencies Propose Fare Hike to Close Budget Gaps

The agencies, San Diego MTS and NCTD - San Diego Railroad, which share a fare system (PRONTO), proposed the changes to help address their respective financial sustainability strategies.

Read More →
A light green and blue MST public transit bus parked on grass.
Managementby Elora HaynesApril 17, 2026

Inside Monterey-Salinas Transit’s New Approach to Ridership Recovery

See how the agency is aligning service with shifting travel patterns, delivering ridership gains while advancing equity across its system.

Read More →
A headshot of Inez Evans Benson
Busby Alex RomanApril 15, 2026

Inez Evans Benson on Rethinking Transit Through Customer Experience

The WSP leader discusses why agencies must look beyond satisfaction metrics and take a more holistic, community-driven approach to service.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
NJ TRANSIT's new Multilevel III commuter railcar manufactured by Alstom
Technologyby StaffApril 14, 2026

Alstom Delivers First Multilevel III NJ TRANSIT Commuter Railcar

The delivery marks the first car in a 374‑vehicle order and begins the arrival of a new generation of higher‑capacity, more reliable, and more comfortable trains for one of the country’s busiest commuter rail systems.

Read More →