Congestion Relief makes for better transit

Since Congestion Relief Zone tolling began in January 2025, traffic is down and air quality, pedestrian traffic, and quality-of-life indicators like noise complaints have all improved in the Central Business District.

It’s also providing $15 billion in funding for the MTA’s 2020-2024 Capital Plan, unlocking projects to rebuild, improve, and expand our transit system. The MTA is already putting those dollars to work. The projects unlocked include:

• $3 billion for Second Avenue Subway Phase 2
• $3 billion for signal upgrades along the        lines
• $2 billion for accessibility improvements to 23+ subway stations
• $2 billion for new railcars and buses
• $5 billion for state-of-good-repair projects

More than $6 billion in capital projects are already active thanks to Congestion Relief. Even more will be awarded throughout 2026. Read on for more details.

• Accessibility and state of good repair work at seven subway stations:
  • 167 St   
  • 42 St-Bryant Pk     
  • 5 Av  
  • Briarwood   
  • Gates Av   
  • Kingsbridge Rd  
  • Parsons Blvd  
• Accessibility and state of good repair work at two LIRR stations:
  • Forest Hills
  • Hollis

• LIRR and Metro-North M9A railcars
• LIRR dual-mode locomotives

• Contract 2: Tunneling, Excavation & 116 St Station Box
• Contract 3: 106 St Station Box (in development)

• Fulton    CBTC signal modernization
• 6 Av      CBTC signal modernization (in development)
• Equipping work trains with CBTC (in development)

• Upgrades to NYCT overhaul facilities, car washes, and structures
• Metro-North Brewster Yard Improvements Phase 1