Mohammadjafar Manusiya
Rahul Somvanshi
The MTA’s new building plan for 2025-2029 will create jobs and improve transportation across New York State. The $68.4 billion investment is set to generate $106 billion in economic benefits and create more than 70,000 jobs.
The numbers show clear benefits for New York communities. In Long Island, 10,400 people will get new jobs. The Hudson Valley will see 9,160 new jobs. Even smaller regions will benefit – Western New York gets 200 jobs, and the North Country adds 90 positions.
What’s changing in the transit system? Old trains will be replaced with new ones. Subway signals will be upgraded to prevent delays. The historic Grand Central Terminal will get much-needed repairs. New electric buses will help reduce pollution.
For workers, these are good-paying jobs. The average salary will be $119,000. “These jobs help hardworking people support their families and communities,” says Gary LaBarbera from the Building and Construction Trades Council.
The benefits spread far beyond New York City. The MTA is working to expand transportation manufacturing across the state. Construction and engineering projects will create opportunities throughout New York.
What does this mean for riders? The 5.5 million people who use MTA services daily will see system improvements. The plan focuses on making stations and services more reliable.
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But there’s a challenge: $33.4 billion of the plan still needs funding. Governor Kathy Hochul and state lawmakers are working to find money to fill this gap.
“This plan is essential for making the entire system work safely and reliably,” says Lisa Daglian from the MTA Citizens Advisory Committee. “Without a fully funded plan, riders will suffer from an increasingly unreliable system while the state’s economy will also face significant red lights.”
The improvements aren’t just about better trains and buses. Each billion dollars spent creates about 5,900 jobs throughout New York. When the MTA buys new train cars, every billion dollars creates 900 jobs in factories and support services.
Local business leaders see the wider benefits. “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,” explains Carlo Scissura from the New York Building Congress.
