As Climate Week continues, the MTA is addressing the impacts of climate change on public transportation in New York City.
The MTA released a "Climate Resiliency Roadmap" in April, outlining ten goals, focusing primarily on protecting the transit system from flooding. In addition, the MTA aims to mitigate rising temperatures through improved air circulation and cooling methods, as well as other infrastructure protections.
"The MTA is the antidote to climate change. We're the reason why New York City, New York residents, have the lowest carbon emissions per capita in the entire country overall," said Jamie Torres-Springer, president of MTA Construction and Development, during an appearance on “Mornings On 1” Tuesday.
He acknowledged there are significant costs associated with the MTA's goals, estimating a $6 billion price tag, but noted the MTA is working to “get our heads around this.”
“We've been reactive in our region a lot. We had Hurricane Sandy 11 years ago now, that meant that we were able to respond to hurricane flooding, coastal flooding, but we had to take a step back and say, ‘What are all the different vulnerabilities to our system,’” said Torres-Springer. “As long as we can keep service going and keep the stations safe, we know we're going to get some water in the system, but we have to deal with it.”
To reduce flooding risks, the MTA's new five-year $68.4 billion proposed capital plan allocates over $2 billion toward enhancing system resilience, including purchasing new subway cars and investing in station upgrades.
“There are small things like raising the step at the entrance to a subway stair, which means that the water can't get above it and down the stairs, protecting our vents,” he said. “Some of them are small interventions. Some of them are bigger interventions. But the key is to keep making investment.”