The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey on Thursday released a proposed record-breaking $45 billion Capital Plan for 2026–2035, setting the stage for an unprecedented decade of infrastructure modernization and expansion across the region. The ambitious plan builds on the success of the previous capital plan, which delivered projects like the new LaGuardia Airport and Newark Liberty’s Terminal A, aiming to complete major ongoing initiatives and launch a new wave of essential infrastructure projects.
A significant portion of the plan is dedicated to advancing and completing the wholesale remaking of the region’s airports and ground transportation hubs:
-
Midtown Bus Terminal: The proposal funds the design, planning, construction, and opening of a new, world-class Midtown Bus Terminal to replace the outdated 75-year-old facility. The first phase, including new ramps and the storage facility, is set for completion by 2030, with the main terminal finished by 2035.
-
JFK Airport: The plan drives the delivery of the once-in-a-generation transformation, including the opening of the first gates of the world-class international terminals 1 and 6 in 2026, alongside a major upgrade of the AirTrain JFK system with new, high-capacity train cars.
-
Newark Liberty Airport (EWR): Funding is provided to establish a public-private partnership for a new Terminal B and the completion of the state-of-the-art AirTrain Newark to enhance reliability and capacity.
-
LaGuardia Airport (LGA): The plan calls for a top-to-bottom rebuilding of Terminal A while preserving its landmark rotunda, and improving mass transit access via enhanced LGALink Q70 bus service.
The plan also includes “Operation Legal Ride,” a $100 million initiative over 10 years, using advanced technology and increased enforcement to combat illegal ride offers and protect passengers at airports.
The proposal includes one of the largest service increases in the history of the PATH rail system:
-
Increased PATH Service: For the first time in 25 years, all four PATH lines would operate seven days a week starting in 2026. This includes significant service increases during rush hours, nights, and weekends, as well as the reinstatement of direct weekend service on key lines.
-
Bridge and Tunnel Rehabilitation: Extensive rehabilitations are planned for the Lincoln Tunnel Helix and the Outerbridge Crossing.
-
Gateway Program: The plan includes the Port Authority’s $2.7 billion contribution to the Gateway Program, which is critical for regional rail infrastructure.
The Port Authority, which is self-sustaining and receives no taxpayer funding, proposes several measures to help fund the generational overhauls:
-
Fare and Toll Adjustments: Proposed changes include phasing out the current $2 off-peak discount for auto/motorcycle tolls over four years beginning in 2027, revising bus toll schedules, updating bus carrier fees, and a proposed PATH fare increase of $0.25 starting in summer 2026, with additional $0.25 increases through 2029.
-
Job Creation: The ambitious Capital Plan is expected to create more than 50,000 jobs, including over 33,000 union construction jobs, fueling economic activity across the bi-state region.
-
Security Focus: The Port Authority’s proposed $10.1 billion budget for 2026 includes a record $1.1 billion dedicated to security, covering physical safety and critical cybersecurity investments.
The proposed plan is subject to public comment, with six public hearings scheduled in December before it is considered by the Board of Commissioners.
