“newest” and its 9 year old stations…
That article is intentionally misleading to gather clicks, as Hochul has not mentioned “axing” the downtown phase but simply prioritizing Phase 2. What is being proposed is to utilize the TBM being built for phase 2 and extend the tunnel to 125th Street, where a connection can be made to the 1 train. Money is also saved as the TBM is kept in the ground and utilized further, and work can be staged by building a shaft at the end of Phase 2 while the tunnels are being dug. Essentially, this is a “phase 2.5” that serves as a continuation of Phase 2.
Here’s the actual MTA feasibility study on an extension to 125th.
This is huge. It will be great if it gets done.
Say what you will about the Biden-Harris era, but they were politically braindead in their generosity toward red districts. They prioritized an outdated centrist ideal of universal funding that current admin clearly laugh at the idea of obligation to return. It’s a classic example of centrist Dems bringing a policy paper to a knife fight, failing to grasp that in a zero-sum world funding is a weapon of leverage not a civic duty.
Race to the bottom.