Why the MTA’s $53 Billion Shortfall Matters for Your Commute
The MTA is a lifeline for millions of New Yorkers. It keeps us on the move every day, powering not just our commutes but our entire economy. When it works, the transit system is fast, efficient, and environmentally friendly. But when it doesn’t, we all feel the impact. You know the feeling... missing that first meeting or being late to dinner, stuck underground without cell service, fighting for elbow room on a sweltering train.
The 2025–2029 MTA Capital Plan is designed to address these challenges and make sure that New Yorkers can access a reliable and resilient system. It’s a massive investment in the infrastructure that keeps our city going, with a focus on modernizing key parts of the system. Check out the plan for yourself.
But there’s a big issue: the MTA faces a $53 billion funding gap that must be filled by new revenues. Currently 44% of MTA revenues come from taxes, primarily on business; 27% of revenues are the fares paid by riders; and only 13% come from tolls on vehicles using MTA bridges and tunnels. Congestion pricing is a new source of funding that will come from those who drive personal cars or trucks into the Manhattan central business district. There will still be a need for other sources of funding, but congestion pricing will keep additional tax and fare increases to a minimum.
The MTA is facing critical funding and infrastructure challenges:
$53 billion funding shortfall threatens essential maintenance and service improvements.
Congestion pricing helps close a critical funding gap and keeps future fare and tax increases to a minimum.
Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced a revised congestion pricing plan, introducing a $9 toll for most vehicles entering Midtown and Lower Manhattan. This new toll will generate vital revenue to help close the funding gap, modernize the MTA, and improve transit reliability, air quality, and traffic flow – benefiting the majority of New Yorkers. With President-Elect Trump set to take office soon, swift action is needed to implement the plan before potential federal opposition arises.
We’ll be closely tracking this evolving situation – stay tuned for more updates.
Next November, there will be even more on the ballot in our city. Voters should be prepared to weigh in on our next mayor, comptroller, and public advocate — as well as City Council members, borough presidents, district attorneys, and more.
