The future of major transit projects in and around New York City is in limbo as the upcoming presidential election between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump approaches. Both candidates have not focused on mass transit extensively, but experts suggest that a Trump presidency would likely strangle funding for federal transit grants, while a Harris administration would potentially make a push for transit funding.
Trump has made his views on congestion pricing clear and could potentially impact the continuation of the Manhattan tolling program if elected. Additionally, during his term, Trump was criticized for holding up funding for the Gateway Program, but eventually, a $6.8 billion federal grant was signed off to fund the tunnel work.
Harris, on the other hand, has not taken a public stance on congestion pricing, and there is limited information on her specific transportation policies. However, during her 2020 presidential campaign, Harris emphasized incentivizing the use of public transit and reducing car usage.
The Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, aligned with Trump’s ideologies, aims to steer the U.S. Department of Transportation away from supporting transit projects, advocating for the elimination of federal subsidies for transit spending and privatizing mass transit services.
As the election draws near, the fate of major transit projects in New York City hinges on the outcome between Harris and Trump, leaving many experts and advocates uncertain about the future of transportation infrastructure in the region.
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