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4mo ago

New York State Approves $68.4 Billion Subway Overhaul with Focus on Safety and Modernization

The FY2026 budget funds sweeping upgrades, increased patrols, and mental health outreach as subway crime drops 11% year-over-year.

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Gov. Hochul visited Grand Central and the 5th Ave. station on the No. 7 train Thursday amid a victory lap for subway safety funding. (Evan Simko-Bednarski for New York Daily News)
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Overview

  • The state budget fully funds a $68.4 billion five-year MTA capital plan to modernize the NYC subway system, including new subway cars, buses, and signaling upgrades.
  • Key safety measures include $77 million for NYPD overtime patrols, $45 million for National Guard deployments, and protective barriers at 100 additional stations.
  • The budget expands Safe Options Support teams to connect homeless and mentally ill individuals on the subway to treatment and housing services.
  • Subway crime has decreased by 11% compared to last year, with no murders reported in the first quarter of 2025, though recent incidents highlight ongoing challenges.
  • Infrastructure investments also include funding for the Interborough Express line connecting Brooklyn and Queens and modern fare gates to reduce evasion.