The New York City Transit Authority president Andy Byford has proposed a 10-year plan to modernize the city’s transportation system.
The plan, titled Fast Forward: The Plan to Modernize New York City Transit, is a comprehensive overview of the changes that Byford plans to implement during his tenure, according to QNS.
Byford did not provide a price tag on that massive investment. However, various news outlets estimate that the plan would cost between $19 billion and $37 billion, according to Construction Dive.
The plan is divided into two five-year sections. During the first five years, a state-of-the-art signal system would be installed at five subway lines; 50 new stations would be made handicap accessible; state-of-good-repair work would be done at more than 150 stations; more than 650 new subway cars would be added to the fleet; more than 1,200 communications-based train control modified cars would be implemented; the bus routes in all five boroughs would be redesigned; a new fare payment system would be developed; and 2,800 new buses would hit the road, as reported by QNS.
During the second five years, six more subway lines would receive a state-of-the-art signal system; more than 130 more stations would be made handicap accessible; state-of-good-repair work would be done at 150 more stations; more than 3,000 new subway cars would be rolled out; and 2,100 new buses would be added.
Transportation officials say that the success of the Fast Forward Plan is dependent upon the ability of MTA to secure the necessary funding, obtain expedited permits and reviews, control costs and deliver projects on schedule and within the budget, according to Construction Dive.
The plan is subject to approval from the MTA board and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, according to The New York Times.
