MTA Seeks More Federal Transit Funding From Incoming Congress
New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority is asking the incoming Democratic majorities in Congress to preserve federal transit funding, shield train and bus purchases from tariffs and increase money for transit security. MTA Chair Janno Lieber said on November 5 that the agency hopes the change in congressional control will improve its chances of securing support for existing and future projects.
The MTA says the current temporary extension of the federal infrastructure law expires on December 11 and leaves out advance funding for future years. Without that funding in the next extension, the agency estimates it could lose $265 million, or 10% of its federal formula funding, in fiscal 2027. It also wants a larger share of formula funds; the agency says it receives 17% despite accounting for 43% of U.S. mass transit trips.
The authority says tariffs on imported components could add $1 billion to the cost of new trains and buses, on top of $23 billion it already plans to spend. It is seeking an exemption for qualifying rolling-stock parts. The MTA also wants lawmakers to raise transit security grants, which it says have fallen 75% since 2007, and to challenge federal rules allowing political appointees to award or end grants without explanation.
The funding push could affect major projects including the Second Avenue Subway extension into East Harlem and the Interborough Express, a proposed light-rail link between Brooklyn and Queens that is only half-funded. Lieber said the agency is more confident existing projects can receive funding and wants to pursue money for new ones. Regional Plan Association President Tom Wright said the Interborough Express should be a priority if Congress provides more transit funds. The new Congress is due to take office in January.
Democratic Congress Could Push Back on Transit Cuts and Tariffs
New York transit leaders see the new Democratic majorities in Congress as a chance to counter federal policies they say have squeezed the city’s transit system. The MTA wants lawmakers to preserve advance funding, increase transit security support and prevent tariffs from driving up the cost of trains and buses.
The authority estimates that leaving advance appropriations out of the next infrastructure-law extension would cost it $265 million, or 10% of its federal formula funding, in fiscal 2027. It says it receives just 17% of formula funds while accounting for 43% of U.S. mass transit trips. The current temporary extension expires December 11, and the new Congress takes office in January.
Tariffs could add another $1 billion to the MTA’s planned $23 billion in train and bus purchases, the agency says, because some components are not made domestically. It is asking Congress to exempt qualifying parts. The MTA also says transit security grants have declined 75% since 2007 and wants lawmakers to raise that funding.
The stakes include the Second Avenue Subway extension into East Harlem and the Interborough Express, a proposed Brooklyn-to-Queens light-rail line that is only half-funded. Chair Janno Lieber said on November 5 that the agency hopes to win support for both current and new projects. Regional Plan Association President Tom Wright said the Interborough Express should be near the front of the line for federal transit money.
MTA Seeks New Federal Commitments as It Challenges Trump Policies
The MTA is asking the incoming Democratic Congress to expand federal support for New York transit and override several Trump administration policies, including tariffs on imported components. The agency’s demands put federal spending and the administration’s approach to grants and trade at the center of its agenda.
The MTA says it could lose $265 million, or 10% of its federal formula funding, in fiscal 2027 if advance appropriations are not included in the next infrastructure-law extension. It also wants a greater share of those funds. The current temporary extension expires December 11; the new Congress takes office in January.
The authority says tariffs could add $1 billion to the $23 billion it plans to spend on trains and buses, and wants Congress to exempt qualifying parts. It also seeks higher transit security grants and a congressional response to federal guidance that it says permits political appointees to award or terminate grants without explanation.
The requests would direct more federal money toward the MTA, including projects such as the Second Avenue Subway extension and the Interborough Express, a light-rail proposal connecting Brooklyn and Queens that is only half-funded. Lieber said the agency wants support for ongoing projects and new ones. Regional Plan Association President Tom Wright argued that the Interborough Express should be a priority if Congress makes more transit funding available.
Reported by Gothamist, Brooklyn Paper.
