Dive Brief:

• Metropolitan Transportation Authority New York City Transit President Andy Byford proposed a 10-year modernization of the city’s transportation systems, a schedule that has been reduced by 75% from the agency’s previous timeline of 40 years. The revised plan’s costs have been estimated at between $19 billion and $37 billion, depending on various news outlets’ sources.
• Within five years, the Fast Forward Plan would see a new signal system installed on five subway lines; approximately 50 new subway stations made accessible and repairs made to 150; the addition of 650 new subway cars and more than 1,200 modified with communications-based train control (CBTC); a citywide redesign of bus routes; 2,800 new buses and a new fare payment system. Within 10 years, the new signal system would encompass 11 subway lines; more than 130 stations would be accessible; a total of 300 stations would have undergone repairs, and New Yorkers’ daily commutes would be made easier by 2,100 new buses and more than 3,000 new subway cars.
• The success of the Fast Forward Plan, according to transportation officials, is reliant on 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. The plan, according to The New York Times, still must win approval from the MTA board and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.