Res. No. 694
Resolution calling on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to include transparent, enforceable “good jobs” standards in its Request for Proposal for the procurement of new subway cars, as well as any purchase contracts awarded pursuant to the RFP, and to encourage rolling stock manufacturers receiving high-dollar value MTA contracts to enter into Community Benefits Agreements with impacted communities
By Council Member Krishnan
Whereas, The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (“MTA”) is North America's largest transportation network, serving a population of 15.3 million people across a 5,000-square-mile travel area surrounding New York City (“NYC”), Long Island, southeastern New York State (“NYS”), and Connecticut, and consisting of more subway and commuter rail cars than all other United States’ transit systems combined; and
Whereas, The MTA’s $68 billion 2025-2029 Capital Plan includes approximately $12 billion for the purchase of new subway and railroad cars; and
Whereas, On March 19, 2026, the MTA released a Request for Proposal (“RFP”), RFP R34262, for the largest subway car procurement in its history, consisting of a base order of 1,140 subway cars to replace the R62 and R62A fleets operating on the 1, 3, and 6 lines, and an option to purchase an additional 1,250 cars to replace the R142 and R142A cars on the 2, 4, and 5 lines, for a total of up to 2,390 new subway cars; and
Whereas, RFP R34262 represents one of the largest rail car procurements in the MTA’s history, and presents an opportunity to leverage public spending to support high-quality jobs, responsible manufacturing, equitable economic growth, and employment opportunities for workers and underserved communities; and
Whereas, Both NYC and NYS have used procurement and economic development policies, such as prevailing and living wage requirements, responsible-vendor standards, workforce and community hiring requirements, and project labor agreements, to promote good jobs and accountability in publicly funded projects; and
Whereas, These policies are commonly known as “good jobs” standards; and
Whereas, Incorporating clear, measurable, and enforceable “good jobs” standards into RFP R34262 and resulting purchase contracts would require bidders to demonstrate responsible labor practices and promote transparency about expected job creation, wages and benefits, workforce training, and compliance with applicable labor standards, while implementing meaningful reporting, monitoring, and enforcement mechanisms; and
Whereas, In addition, rolling stock manufacturers receiving significant public contracts from RFP R34262 should be encouraged to enter into Community Benefits Agreements with impacted communities, providing commitments regarding “good jobs” standards; and
Whereas, Community Benefits Agreements are legally enforceable agreements negotiated between project developers, contractors, or other entities receiving public support, and community, labor, or nonprofit organizations, through which the parties establish commitments intended to provide benefits to affected communities, such as local hiring and workforce development, job training, wage and benefit standards, worker protections, and other community benefits; and
Whereas, Such standards would help ensure that major MTA contracts awarded pursuant to RFP R34262 are done so to responsible rolling stock manufacturers committed to high-quality products while creating stable, good jobs; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to include transparent, enforceable “good jobs” standards in its Request for Proposal for the procurement of new subway cars, as well as any purchase contracts awarded pursuant to the RFP, and to encourage rolling stock manufacturers receiving high-dollar value MTA contracts to enter into Community Benefits Agreements with impacted communities.
KK
LS #25815
10/7/26