Proposed Assembly Budget Makes Critical Investments in Transportation Infrastructure and Transit Services Across the State

Proposed Assembly Budget Makes Critical Investments in Transportation Infrastructure and Transit Services Across the State

Speaker Carl Heastie and Transportation Committee Chair William B. Magnarelli today announced the Assembly State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2026-27 Budget makes significant investments throughout the state in transportation infrastructure and improves accessibility and affordability of transit services for New Yorkers.

"These investments are critical to ensuring New Yorkers have access to the transit services they need while continuing to make our infrastructure safe and reliable across the state," said Speaker Heastie. "At a time when affordability remains a concern for many, the Assembly Majority is committed to bringing down transit costs and keeping New York families moving."

"The funding we provide in this year's budget is vital for the reliability of our infrastructure and the strength of our economy," said Assemblymember Magnarelli. "The significant investments made into non-MTA transit capital and upstate transit assistance will improve transit access and affordability for New Yorkers across the state."

To meet the needs of our families and hardworking New Yorkers, the proposed Assembly SFY 2026-27 budget includes $15 million for a fare-free bus program in New York City, with one fare-free bus route in each borough.

The Assembly proposal provides $6.4 billion for the final year of the five-year Department of Transportation (DOT) Capital Plan, an increase of $324 million over the executive proposal. Of this, there is $1.53 billion in Local Capital Aid funding, an increase of $150 million over the executive proposal, including an additional $50 million for CHIPs, for a total of $698 million, and $50 million for Local Pave NY, which is distributed through the CHIPs formula, for a total of $200 million. It also includes $50 million for the State Touring Route program, for a total of $190 million, and would expand the program to include vehicles and equipment to make the eligibility of this funding identical to the CHIPs eligibility criteria.

The Assembly's proposed budget makes critical investments in transit infrastructure across the state, providing $326 million for non-MTA Transit Capital, an increase of $126 million over the executive proposal. This includes $100 million for non-MTA transit capital statewide and restoring $26 million for the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) light rail system.

It also includes $375.4 million for upstate transit operating assistance, an increase of $5.9 million above the executive proposal. This reflects a $26 million, or 7.4 percent increase from last year.

The budget proposal also provides $1 million in one-time operating funding to the Central New York Regional Transportation Authority (Centro) for the costs associated with incorporating Cortland County into their service area.