An independent analysis by Ernst & Young (EY), commissioned by the Partnership for New York City, reveals that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) proposed 2025-2029 Capital Plan is projected to generate $106 billion in economic activity across New York State and create more than 70,000 jobs. The $68.4 billion investment focuses on capital improvements and maintaining the regional mass transit system.
While the majority of direct spending will occur in New York City, the plan’s economic benefits extend statewide. Long Island is expected to gain over 10,400 jobs and $7.5 billion in GDP, while the Hudson Valley anticipates approximately 9,160 jobs and $6.1 billion in GDP. Other regions, including the North Country, Western New York, the Finger Lakes, Central New York, and the Southern Tier, are also projected to experience economic growth and job creation.
The proposed plan includes significant investments in new rail and subway cars, buses, signaling equipment, and additional tracks, relying on the expertise of New York-based construction, engineering, and professional services firms. Collectively, this activity supports both direct and indirect jobs and business revenues throughout the state. According to the analysis, every $1 billion of MTA spending would support nearly 5,900 New York jobs, half direct and the remainder through indirect or induced economic effects. Furthermore, for every $1 billion spent on new rail cars, 900 New York jobs are created.
Kathryn Wylde, President and CEO of the Partnership for New York City, stated, “This analysis indicates that fully funding the MTA’s proposed capital program will be a ‘win-win’ that will catalyze critical improvements in transit service and provide a major boost to the state’s economy.”
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber emphasized the plan’s significance, saying, “The 2025-2029 Capital Plan will not only bring the system into the 21st century but supports more than 70,000 jobs and generates billions of dollars in economic activity in every corner of the State. Now it just needs to be fully funded.”
The analysis underscores the MTA’s role as an economic engine beyond its immediate service area, highlighting the importance of securing full funding for the proposed capital plan during upcoming budget negotiations between the Governor and the State legislature.
