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- calendar_today November 6, 2026
Democratic Congressional Control Sparks Hope for NYC Transit
MTA Chair Janno Lieber voiced optimism about the future of NYC public transportation following the recent midterm elections, which saw Democrats secure control of Congress. Speaking on Thursday, Lieber suggested that this shift could bring an end to what he described as an “anti-city” campaign in federal spending and policy, which has affected the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in recent years.
Challenges Faced Under Previous Administration
Since President Donald Trump took office in 2025, Lieber said that New York and the MTA faced repeated federal hurdles. Actions included attempts by the administration to halt congestion pricing, threats to withdraw mta funding for the Second Avenue Subway extension, and taking over the Penn Station redesign project. Lieber characterized this history as a period of consistent “short-changing” New York’s public transit needs.
New Leadership and Renewed Confidence
This newly elected Congress features prominent New Yorkers—Rep. Hakeem Jeffries and Sen. Chuck Schumer—expected to serve as House speaker and Senate majority leader. Lieber specifically noted the importance of Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand’s leadership of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for New York’s interests.
"Obviously, having a Democratic Congress led by two New Yorkers and with the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee led by (Sen.) Kirsten Gillibrand, we are hopeful that we can do much, much better than that historical short-changing," Lieber stated during an appearance on WNYC’s On The Way.
Federal Funding Opportunities on the Horizon
Lieber expressed renewed hope that current and new mass transit projects will see increased federal transit funding. Projects in progress, like extensions of the Second Avenue Subway and the construction of the Interborough Express (IBX)—a rail line aiming to link Brooklyn and Queens—remain top priorities. The IBX is currently only half-funded and is cited as one of the key projects that would benefit from new federal commitments.
"We have more confidence that the existing projects will be funded, and we would like to now start pursuing money for new big projects," Lieber said. He emphasized the importance of reversing anti-urban policies in Congress and reaffirmed the mandate for pro-transit development.
Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Infrastructure Upgrades
One specific area Lieber identified is the reauthorization of the Surface Transportation bill, which expired in September. The previous iteration, stemming from President Joe Biden’s infrastructure package, directed $256 million to the MTA. Future authorizations are seen as vital for ongoing transit accessibility upgrades and signal modernization, key aspects of New York’s public transit infrastructure push.
Expert Perspectives and Calls for Advocacy
Tom Wright, president of the Regional Plan Association, highlighted the critical opportunity for New York’s congressional delegation to prioritize large-scale urban transit projects. He argued that, should funding become available, the Interborough Express should be a primary candidate for investment, considering its transformative potential for regional connectivity.
"If through the new Congress there is money for mass transit, the IBX ought to be at the front of the line because it is such an excellent project," Wright noted. "And I think that that's what our delegation needs to be focused on."
Upcoming Conversation on NYC Transit
To further discuss these issues, Lieber is scheduled to speak on the future of mass transit in New York at a special WNYC event on November 17, providing a forum to outline forthcoming goals, challenges, and opportunities for New York City commuters.
Source: gothamist.com.
