From Dime to Quality: When Does a Fare Hike Improve Service?

Will your ride actually get better?

The MTA's 2025 to 2029 Capital Plan bets heavily that upgrades will translate into a more reliable, faster subway. Over 90% of the $68.4 billion plan is dedicated to "rebuild and improve," covering signals, power systems, track work, and station repairs.

Already, some changes are visible. The Station Re-NEW-vation Program gives stations an overhaul during weekend outages, from fresh tiles to upgraded lighting and signage. And in the pipeline: signal modernization via Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC), which promises shorter waits and smoother operations.

But there's a catch: a large funding gap remains. Roughly $33 billion of the capital plan is yet to be backed by specific revenue sources. And for riders, the impact may come unevenly. You might see improvements on some lines sooner than others, depending on where investment lands and how quickly upgrades roll out.

Still, the promise is clear: that extra dime isn't just maintenance. It's a bet that the subway you ride in 2030 will feel meaningfully different from the one you ride today.