METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

N.Y. MTA approves 2015-19 Capital Program

The Capital Program will buy thousands of new subway cars, train cars and buses; invest $2.8 billion in subway station improvements; finish installing positive train control on Metro-North Railroad and the Long Island Rail Road; and more.

October 29, 2015
N.Y. MTA approves 2015-19 Capital Program

Tim Adams

2 min to read


Tim Adams

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) board approved its 2015-19 Capital Program, the largest investment ever in the subways, buses, railroads, bridges and tunnels that keep New York moving.

The Capital Program will buy thousands of new subway cars, train cars and buses; invest $2.8 billion in subway station improvements; finish installing positive train control on Metro-North Railroad and the Long Island Rail Road; bring countdown clocks to the majority of subway stations; begin work on extending the Second Avenue Subway to East Harlem; build a new LIRR station in Elmhurst, Queens; and construct four new Metro-North stations in underserved areas of the Bronx.

Ad Loading...

“Since our first Capital Program in 1982, we have invested more than $100 billion to rescue our mass transit network from near-collapse and make it an engine of growth for the entire region,” said MTA Chairman/CEO Thomas F. Prendergast.

The revised Program totals $29 billion, almost 10% less than the $32 billion Program first proposed a year ago. It includes $21.6 billion in core investments in the MTA’s subways, buses and railroads; $4.5 billion for the East Side Access, Penn Access and Second Avenue Subway projects; and $2.9 billion for MTA Bridges and Tunnels.

The Program is fully funded with $11.8 billion in MTA funds, an $8.3 billion commitment from Gov. Cuomo, $6.4 billion in federal funds and $2.5 billion committed by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.

To deliver these projects at a lower cost, the MTA will use innovative methods such as design-build, negotiated procurement processes and public-private partnerships to operate more efficiently, spread risk more broadly and take advantage of innovative techniques. The MTA will continue its strategy of replacing deteriorated components, rather than entire systems, which has been successful in addressing subway station conditions and will now be expanded to power supplies, subway structures and other areas.

The MTA will also transform how it works with contractors on projects, recognizing that becoming a better business partner can bring down costs.

More Management

Managementby StaffMay 16, 2026

AC Transit Sees First Sustained Three-Month Ridership Climb Since 2022

Officials said the ridership gains recorded in February, March, and April signal renewed public confidence in transit and reinforce AC Transit’s vital role in connecting East Bay residents with jobs, schools, healthcare, shopping, and recreational destinations.

Read More →
Traffic fills a multi-lane highway beside a graphic highlighting a report on where public transit provides the greatest cost advantage over driving.

Report Examines Where Public Transit Delivers the Greatest Cost Advantage Over Driving

A new study found commuters in several major U.S. cities could save hundreds of dollars each month by taking public transit instead of driving, with Los Angeles ranking as the nation’s most expensive city for car commuters.

Read More →
Cover photo for METROspectives with HDR's Brian Buchanan
Managementby Alex RomanMay 15, 2026

Managing Complexity: HDR’s Brian Buchanan on Delivering Major Transit Programs

HDR’s transit program management lead discusses the challenges of overseeing large capital projects, adapting to cost and supply chain pressures, and the capabilities agencies need to build for the future.

Read More →
A PRT bus serving a PRTX BRT station
Managementby StaffMay 14, 2026

NFL Draft Delivers Big Ridership, Revenue Boost for Pittsburgh

Over the three days, PRT recorded 485,000 rides, reflecting the extraordinary number of trips taken as people traveled throughout the region for Draft events, work, and daily life.

Read More →
STV's Garo Hovnanian
Managementby Alex RomanMay 13, 2026

The Expanding Role of Advisory in Transit Delivery

Garo Hovnanian explores how agencies can better navigate competing priorities, strengthen decision-making, and prepare for a future shaped by electrification and emerging mobility.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
An NJ TRANSIT bus.
Managementby StaffMay 13, 2026

NJ TRANSIT to Expand Cleanliness, Safety, and Accessibility Under New Action Plan

The plan includes investments in cleaner vehicles and upgraded stations, NJT LiveView to provide real-time GPS tracking of train and light rail service, enhanced safety initiatives through a new Real Time Crime Center, and the debut of a redesigned NJ TRANSIT mobile app.

Read More →
Mayor Tim Keller in front of an ABQ RIDE microtransit vehicle
New Mobilityby StaffMay 12, 2026

ABQ RIDE Forward's Next Phase Sets Target Date

ABQ RIDE Forward is the first transit system overhaul in more than 25 years. This latest phase marks 15% completion of the 16-phase rollout, which will continue over the next several years.

Read More →
Managementby StaffMay 12, 2026

New Orleans RTA Signals Leadership Shift, Opens National CEO Search

During the meeting, the board approved a resolution invalidating a previously amended contract and authorized Board Chair Ann Duplessis to negotiate a separation agreement with CEO Lona Edwards Hankins.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
METRO Biz Briefs cover photo

STV Launches Power Practice and More in Biz Briefs

In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at the latest news from SilverRide, Complete Coach Works, and more.

Read More →