Upstate public transit deserves a bigger investment
Taxing the wealthiest New Yorkers would help connect more residents to jobs, health care and opportunity
From getting to doctor’s appointments to making grocery trips and commuting to work or school, public transit serves everyone. New York City’s system is one of the most robust in the nation, with millions relying on it each day. But the need for transit is not unique to NYC — and despite the clear demand for it, upstate New York’s public transportation systems continually remain underfunded.
If we want to address the affordability crisis, our state must invest more in public transit outside of its largest city, and taxing those who benefit from a robust transit system is just common sense.
Public transportation is more than just getting from point A to point B. It’s a pathway to economic opportunity — a safe route home for night-shift workers, a reliable ride for people with disabilities, and a way to access workforce training programs. It often determines how residents can fully participate in their communities — whether they stay employed, maintain good health and remain connected to others.
Upstate relies on multiple regional transit authorities: The Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority, the Capital District Transportation Authority, the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority and the Central New York Regional Transportation Authority are the four major upstate systems. These systems cover larger geographical areas than NYC’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority, serve rural and suburban communities and depend heavily on government support. Over 40% of non-MTA upstate public transit systems are funded through state aid, combined with federal and municipal matching.
The state has secured significant wins for upstate’s transit infrastructure. The most recent state budget provided a 7% increase, for a total of $374.5 million in state operating assistance — funding that supports more frequent and efficient routes.
But it’s not enough. Even with these increases, upstate systems are still experiencing restructuring and funding cuts. These cuts mean workers can’t arrive on time to late shifts, students can’t attend classes and rural families are losing access to essential resources. At a time when New Yorkers are already facing growing financial burdens, losing affordable transportation options is a direct hit to their quality of life.
New York’s largest revenue source comes from personal income taxes, and the state’s more than 99,000 millionaires generate nearly half of all state income tax receipts. If we asked the wealthiest New Yorkers to contribute just a little more, we could fill the gaps in upstate transportation without burdening working families.
Other states, including Massachusetts, have already taken this step.
Massachusetts has implemented a progressive income-tax structure — and they’re seeing positive results. Since passing the Fair Share Amendment in 2022, Massachusetts has collected $6 billion for education and transportation initiatives. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation has allocated $450 million for their transit authority's deficiency fund replenishment, which funds their operating budget shortfalls; $60 million for infrastructure improvements; and $20 million for their Income-Eligible Reduced Fare Program. These programs are creating safer, more reliable, more accessible transportation networks throughout the state.
According to the New York Public Transit Association, every $1 invested in public transportation generates $4 in economic returns. Imagine what that could mean for upstate: stronger local economies, reliable access to jobs and healthcare, safer roads and equity in transportation. And let’s not overlook the positive environmental impacts of reducing the number of cars on the road.
New York must take action to get public transportation back on track and thriving in every corner of the state.
State Sen. Jeremy Cooney of Rochester represents the 56th Senate District and serves as the chair of the chamber’s Transportation Committee.
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