Congestion Relief Revenue Funds Major MTA Transit Improvements

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is investing $15 billion in capital improvements across its transit network using revenue generated by the Congestion Relief Zone toll. Since congestion pricing began in January 2025, the MTA says traffic has declined while air quality, pedestrian activity and quality-of-life indicators have improved in Manhattan's Central Business District.

More than $6 billion in capital projects are already active through Congestion Relief, with additional projects scheduled to receive funding throughout 2026.

Funding for Major Transit Projects

The $15 billion in funding includes:

• $3 billion for Phase 2 of the Second Avenue Subway.

• $3 billion for signal upgrades across MTA subway lines.

• $2 billion for accessibility improvements at more than 23 subway stations.

• $2 billion for new railcars and buses.

• $5 billion for state-of-good-repair projects.

Accessibility Improvements

Congestion Relief funding is supporting accessibility and state-of-good-repair work at seven subway stations, including 42 St-Bryant Pk, 5 Av, Briarwood, Gates Av, Middletown Rd and Parsons Blvd.

Similar work is also underway at the Forest Hills and Hollis Long Island Rail Road stations.

New Railcars and Buses

The funding is supporting the purchase of M9A railcars for the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad, as well as new dual-mode locomotives for the Long Island Rail Road.

Second Avenue Subway Expansion

Congestion Relief funding is supporting Phase 2 of the Second Avenue Subway, including Contract 2 for tunneling, excavation and the 116th Street Station Box, as well as development of Contract 3 for the 106th Street Station Box.

Signal Modernization

The MTA is also using the funding for communications-based train control signal modernization on the Fulton and Sixth Avenue lines. Additional work to equip work trains with CBTC technology is also in development.

State-of-Good-Repair Projects

The program includes upgrades to New York City Transit overhaul facilities, car washes and structures, along with improvements at Metro-North's Brewster Yard.