New York state plans to invest in transit, infrastructure and roadway safety as part of the fiscal year 2025 budget.
“Whether you’re on the roadway or the subway, you deserve to get to your destination quickly and safely,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “This budget advances transformative infrastructure projects that will change the way New Yorkers get around and takes action on toll and fare enforcements measures to ensure everyone using our public infrastructure pays their fair share.”
As part of the budget, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority would receive $7.9 billion in mass transit operating support. In addition, $333 million would support upstate transit systems, and $551 million would support downstate transit systems.
The Interborough Express would receive $52 million for design and engineering, while the Second Avenue Subway extension project would receive $16 million to move forward. In addition, the Rochester Intermodal Center would receive $18 million.
To combat increased toll and fare evasion, fines for repeat fare evaders would increase to $150 and purposeful license plate defacement and covering fines would increase to $500.
The Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program would receive $598 million, and the Pave Our Potholes program would receive $100 million.
The budget also includes a nearly $7.7 billion commitment to a five-year transportation capital program.