MTA Holds Open House on $68.4 Billion Capital Plan

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) recently hosted the fifth in a series of Open Houses on the 2025–2029 Capital Plan at the White Plains Public Library. 

The Open House, which was held on February 20, featured a presentation and conversation with MTA Construction & Development President Jamie Torres-Springer, Metro-North Railroad President Catherine Rinaldi, Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins, and Assembly Member MaryJane Shimsky.

The panel discussion, which was moderated by the Business Council of Westchester Executive Vice President John Ravitz, covered details of the $68.4 billion Capital Plan and the investments it makes in Metro-North Railroad, and what that means for the future of service and MTA riders.

“The 2025-29 Capital Plan will transform the way our riders move through Westchester, the Hudson Valley, and beyond,” said MTA Construction & Development President Jamie Torres-Springer. “We’re grateful for the chance to tell them directly about how we’re fighting for the resources we need to maintain a world-class public transit system up and down Metro-North’s service area.” 

“This event is a great opportunity to share with the Westchester County community what improvements they can expect to their trips on Metro-North Railroad as a result of these investments,” said Metro-North Railroad President Catherine Rinaldi. “With investments in rail cars, stations, resiliency and critical state-of-good-repair work, this capital plan ensures riders can continue to count on Metro-North to get them where they need to go.”

“I am pleased the MTA hosted an Open House at the White Plains Library so Westchester residents could hear about the investments the MTA is making to improve rider satisfaction and transit performance,” said New York State Senator Shelley B. Mayer. “Westchester residents, many of who rely on Metro-North, NYC Bus and NYC subways every day, deserve transparency about where their tax dollars are going and how the MTA’s capital plan will impact service and performance. Thank you to the MTA and my governmental colleagues for participating in this important panel discussion.”

“Uninterrupted train service to the city, and reliable bus and subway service once there, are absolutely essential to the residents of my suburban district,” said Assembly Member MaryJane Shimsky. “The MTA’s 2025-2029 Capital Plan addresses urgent needs for maintenance and improvements throughout our mass transit system — including projects to protect the Hudson Line from storm flooding and sea-level rise. These are projects we need to undertake in the near term if, in the most literal sense, we are to keep the Hudson Line from going under water.” 

“Investing in our transit infrastructure is investing in the future of Westchester County,” said Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins. “The Metro-North Railroad is a vital lifeline for our residents, connecting communities, supporting local businesses and ensuring economic growth. The MTA’s 2025-2029 Capital Plan makes critical improvements that will enhance reliability, accessibility and sustainability for all riders. I appreciate the MTA for bringing this conversation directly to Westchester and engaging the public in these important discussions.”

“The Business Council of Westchester (BCW), the county’s largest business membership organization focusing on economic development and advocacy, strongly supports a new five-year capital plan for the MTA that will include important and critical investments in transit infrastructure,” said Business Council of Westchester Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer John Ravitz. “It is imperative that as we look to recruit and retain businesses in Westchester County, we have a reliable and safe transportation system. The BCW looks forward to working with our legislative leaders in Albany as they negotiate intelligent funding options for the new five-year capital plan.”