New York life
MTA Chair Sees Better Transit Funding Prospects
MTA Chair Janno Lieber says Democratic control of Congress could improve the outlook for federal support of New York transit projects, though no new funding has been confirmed.
Why commuters may be watching
Federal support can be consequential for New York transit work, from accessibility and signal upgrades to major expansions. MTA Chair Janno Lieber said he is optimistic that Democratic control of Congress will bring a more favorable environment for those efforts.
Lieber framed the change as a break from what he called an “anti-city” campaign in Washington. He said the Trump administration had withheld funding from New York and the MTA, sought to halt congestion pricing, threatened support for the Second Avenue Subway extension, and taken over the Penn Station redesign.
What the MTA wants to pursue
Lieber said the agency has more confidence that existing projects can receive funding and wants to seek support for additional large projects. He identified a recently expired federal surface-transportation measure as a possible route for money for accessibility and signal work.
The MTA is also seeking further federal support for the Second Avenue Subway’s westward extension and the Interborough Express, the proposed light-rail connection between Brooklyn and Queens. Regional Plan Association president Tom Wright said the Interborough Express should be a priority if Congress makes transit funding available.
The comments describe the MTA’s expectations and funding priorities, not awarded funds or confirmed project commitments.
Reader takeaway
Lieber’s comments offer a guide to the transit work the MTA may press Congress to support. They do not mean that new federal money has been secured.
Source & further reading
Gothamist ↗Source published: November 5, 2026
