A Fully Funded Capital Plan is Expected to Generate More Than 18,000 Jobs and $15 Billion of Economic Activity Outside New York City
10,400+ Jobs Expected on Long Island, 9,100 in Hudson Valley Region; Nearly 800 in Capital Region; 90 in the North Country; 200 in Western New York; 140 in Finger Lakes; more than 100 in Central New York, Finger Lakes and Mohawk Valley
The MTA 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 EY, and commissioned by the Partnership for New York City.
The report was released today 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 GDP 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.
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.
“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,” stated Kathryn Wylde, President & CEO of the Partnership for New York City, which commissioned the study.
“The MTA carries over 5.5 million passengers every weekday across its network of subways, buses, and commuter rails, but its impact is far greater. We are pleased to have assisted the Partnership for New York City in analyzing the economic impact of the proposed MTA Capital Plan, and how the MTA serves as an economic engine beyond the borders of its service area and throughout the State of New York,” said Tom Rousakis, EY US Transactions Infrastructure Leader.
“It’s no secret the MTA is the economic engine of the region, and this report confirms once again that investing in transit is a smart play for all New Yorkers,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “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.”
“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 & CEO, New York Building Congress.
“Funding mass transit initiatives not only improves our infrastructure but also grows our economy and bolsters our middle class,” said Gary LaBarbera, President of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York. “This study affirms that the Capital Plan proposed by the MTA does just that through the creation of thousands of good paying union careers that will help hardworking people all around the state support their families and communities. Investing in our transportation system means investing in the futures of all New Yorkers.”
“The MTA’s 2025-2029 Capital Plan is important to good manufacturing jobs across upstate where the production of transportation equipment is a major and growing sector of the statewide economy. The bottom line is that the MTA’s planned investments are not just a downstate interest but are vitally important from Plattsburgh to Buffalo to Binghamton, deserving bi-partisan support in all regions. Onward and upward!” said Garry Douglas, President and CEO, North Country Chamber of Commerce.
“The General Contractors Association’s nearly 250 firms and over 25,000 skilled unionized and professional workers in heavy public works construction fully appreciate the positive impact that the MTA’s five-year capital programs have had on our industry, regional mobility, and the broader economy. Those programs not only created thousands of good paying middle-class jobs – and more importantly careers in construction – they’ve facilitated tens of thousands of peripheral jobs, ensuring that New York remains the center of global finance, real estate, and culture. The Partnership’s study only reconfirms that understanding, something we have known since our support of the Authority’s very first five-year program in 1982, and every five-year program since. The 2025-29 program is no exception, and we call on Albany, Washington, and City Hall to work together to secure its expeditious approval – and its full funding,” said Robert G. Wessels, Executive Director, The General Contractors Association of New York.
“Investing in New York’s infrastructure means investing in the Empire State economy, and that’s why ACEC New York is proud to support the MTA Capital Plan which will create thousands of new jobs while improving the quality of life for millions of New Yorkers with critical upgrades to our aging transportation network,” said John T. Evers, PhD, President and CEO of the American Council of Engineering Companies of New York. “This independent analysis reinforces the tremendous economic impact of our industry and the need for capital improvements that will move this state forward.”
“On behalf of National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC Tri-State), I want to thank the MTA for its ongoing commitment to women and minority partners in the region. MTA’s large-scale capital investments are vital to New York’s MWBE community, jobs, and the economy, and we are proud to continue our long-standing partnership with the Agency,” said Nayan Parikh, President, NAMC Tri-State, and President, Ashnu International.
“CBAEC supports the bold vision that the MTA has laid out in its Capital Plan. The MTA has always been a major economic driver through its job creation but importantly, it provides essential transportation services that power the city’s workforce, sustaining the economy by transporting millions of New Yorkers to activities in our daily lives. This ambitious capital plan aims to not only modernize the MTA’s aging infrastructure, but also to create opportunities for professional service firms to deliver innovative solutions designed to serve generations to come. New York will be better prepared for our city’s future and growth with a world class transit system that is crucial in welcoming and transporting millions of visitors that rely on the MTA to navigate and enjoy our great city,” said Julie Harris, Council of Black Architecture and Engineering Companies (CBAEC).
“As shown in the Partnership’s new report, the MTA’s proposed 2025-2029 Capital Plan presents a significant increase in contract opportunities for all regions of New York State. Building on past successes with contracts that benefit all New Yorkers, including women and minority-owned businesses, the new initiatives will help push New York further as a national leader in contract opportunities. The NAACP New York conference, representing over 50 branches in all 10 regions of New York, fully supports the proposed projects and new contract opportunities presented in the 2025-2029 Capital Plan, as well as legislative changes, to further increase opportunities for Black and Brown businesses statewide,” said Garry Johnson, Economic Development Committee Chair, NYS NAACP.
“The MTA is the backbone of New York’s economy, driving both mobility and economic growth. A well-funded, efficient transit system is crucial to our future. We fully back the MTA’s proposed capital plan and call on the Governor and Legislature to secure a sustainable, long-term funding solution that will keep New York moving forward,” said Felice Farber, Executive Director of Subcontractors Trade Association.
“The MTA may serve downstate New Yorkers, but its economic impact reverberates across the entire state. Businesses right here in the Finger Lakes Region and all over New York will benefit from this Capital Plan and we look forward to finding additional opportunities for our employers to take part in these investments and support our statewide economy,” said Bob Duffy, President, Greater Rochester Chamber.
“The MTA is the economic engine of the region, and this report proves just how critical it is. The 2025-29 Capital Plan is essential to making the entire system work safely and reliably for the millions of riders who count on it every day,” said Lisa Daglian, Executive Director, Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA. “The details clearly show just how much it means for our state, driving job creation and economic activity. Without a fully funded plan, riders will suffer from an increasingly unreliable system while the state’s economy will also face significant red lights. We encourage the Governor and Legislature to come together to fully fund the plan without delay.”
About the Partnership for New York City
The Partnership for New York City represents the city’s business leaders and largest employers. We work with government, labor, and the nonprofit sector to promote economic growth and maintain the city’s prominence as a global center of economic opportunity, upward mobility, and innovation. The Partnership Fund for New York City is the Partnership’s investment arm. The Fund invests in entrepreneurs and innovators in the for-profit and nonprofit sectors who contribute to building a more vibrant and inclusive New York City economy. Visit pfnyc.org to learn more.
About EY
EY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet, while building trust in capital markets.
Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow.
EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fueled by sector insights, a globally connected, multidisciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories.
All in to shape the future with confidence.
EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via ey.com/privacy. EY member firms do not practice law where prohibited by local laws. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.