A decision has been made by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to postpone the construction of the Second Avenue Subway Extension, which is estimated to cost $7.7 billion.
It was reportedly implemented amid mounting worries regarding the delays in congestion pricing and the funding uncertainties.
(Photo : Pexels/anna-m. W.)
Concerns Over the Finance of the Second Avenue Subway Extension
While the plan for a Second Avenue Metro Station has existed since the 1920s, phase one was only recently finalized in 2017, with new stations opening on 72nd, 86th, and 96th streets. Recent developments in the Second Avenue subway expansion included awarding a contract worth 182 million dollars earlier this year to initiate the relocation of subsurface infrastructure from 105th to 110th streets.
However, the President of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's Construction and Development Department, Jamie Torres-Springer, announced on Tuesday, Jun 18, that they had ceased their work on the Second Avenue subway in response to the decision made by Governor Kathy Hochul to stop the city's congestion pricing scheme.
As mentioned, completing phase two of the project would entail extending the line to 125th Street in East Harlem. Yet, the grant of $3.4 billion from the federal government was subject to the MTA corresponding to $4.3 billion, which was initially planned to come from money generated via congestion pricing.
Torres-Springer says that 30% of the current five-year capital plan budget was supposed to go from congestion pricing. Without that money, the MTA must change how it spends its funds.
On the other hand, in her statement, Gov. Hochul expressed her confidence that she could secure the necessary financing to maintain initiatives such as the expansion of wheelchair accessibility and the Second Avenue subway. The MTA anticipated congestion pricing would generate $1 billion in annual revenue, leveraged through a $15 billion bond offering.
Nevertheless, lawmakers in Albany have turned down Gov. Hochul's two attempts to find another way to pay for the project, such as raising New York City's wage tax and taking $1 billion out of the state's general fund as a one-time payment.
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About MTA
When it comes to public transportation in the US, no agency can compare to the MTA. Within the metropolitan area of New York, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority offers transportation to more than 11 million passengers daily.
From regular traffic reports to those detailing emergencies and extreme weather, these commuters depend on their site to keep them informed.
As stated, more than 400 MTA stations across New York City now have digital signs powered by the same content management system (CMS) as the MTA's website.
Moreover, through the utilization of open-source technology, the MTA can cost-effectively present critical data to commuters and consumers. When it comes to a legacy market that has been more complicated and expensive, this transportation organization can choose an open-source solution that offers a flexible web-publishing method.
They also installed WiFi and cellular service in every subway station. Accordingly, the MTA enhances the customer experience by prioritizing digital operations facilitating in-real-time information, direction, and engagement.
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