By Forum Staff
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority Capital Plan for 2025-2029 will generate $106 billion in economic activity and more than 70,000 jobs statewide according to a new analysis conducted by the consulting firm EY, and commissioned by the Partnership for New York City.
The report was released on Thursday at the annual meeting of the New York Building Congress, attended by more than 500 construction industry and union leaders. The analysis describes the impact of the MTA’s proposed capital investment if the plan is approved and fully funded during budget negotiations between the governor and the State Legislature.
The MTA plan proposes investing $68.4 billion in capital improvements and state of good repair of the regional mass transit system. If fully funded, the 2025-2029 Capital Plan will generate new economic activity for all ten regions of the state. More than one in four jobs will be created outside of New York City, and the average direct labor income would be roughly $119,000 per worker.
While most of the direct spending will be in New York City, Long Island stands to gain more than $7.5 billion in Gross Domestic Product and over 10,400 jobs. The other regions will also realize substantial benefits, including: $6.1 billion in GDP and an estimated 9,160 jobs in the Hudson Valley; $50 million and 90 jobs in the North Country; $120 million and 200 jobs in Western New York; $80 million and 140 jobs in the Finger Lakes; $60 million and 100 jobs in Central New York; and another $60 million and 100 jobs in the state’s Southern Tier.
“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,” said Kathryn Wylde, president and CEO of the Partnership for New York City.
The proposed Capital Plan is expected to include major purchases of key equipment from manufacturers in New York, including new rail and subway cars, buses, new signaling equipment, and additional tracks. Implementation of the plan relies on the expertise and services of New York-based construction, engineering, and professional services firms and thousands of New York workers. Collectively, this activity supports both direct and indirect jobs and business revenues throughout the state. 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, according to the authority.
“This new report confirms what we’ve been shouting from the rooftops for years: Fully funding the MTA’s proposed Capital Plan will pump $106 billion into New York’s economy and create 72,700 jobs—over 18,000 of them outside the city. From Long Island to the North Country, this plan delivers a historic jolt of opportunity that benefits every corner of our state. When we invest in transit, we’re not just boosting ridership; we’re fueling engineering, architecture, construction, and professional services—ensuring our region stays competitive, modern, and ready for the future,” said Carlo A. Scissura, Esq., president and CEO, New York Building Congress.
