Governor Hochul Unveils Major Upgrade for A and C Subway Lines in NYC

On Thursday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul detailed a significant initiative targeting the A and C subway lines, marking it as the largest signal and track replacement undertaking in Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) history. The initiative, backed by a $1.9 billion investment sourced from congestion pricing, aims to replace outdated signals from the 1930s with advanced Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) technology, enhancing service reliability and reducing commuter wait times.

“Congestion pricing keeps delivering wins for New Yorkers,” Hochul remarked, emphasizing the necessity of upgrading nearly century-old infrastructure. The comprehensive project will revamp 42 track miles affecting 23 stations from High Street (A/C) to Ozone Park-Lefferts Blvd (A). An estimated 750,000 daily commuters on the A and C lines are expected to benefit from this overhaul, which will also tie into multiple subway lines and bus routes. MTA Chair Janno Lieber stated that the project will dramatically improve train operations, while NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow expressed confidence that the updated system will provide faster and more reliable service.