Subway on-time performance (OTP) last year and in the first half of 2025 remained better than in 2019, but the causes of delays have changed as riders have returned. A train is considered late, or delayed, only if it arrives at its destination more than five minutes after its scheduled arrival time, skips scheduled stops or is cancelled altogether. Of the 2.7 million scheduled trains in 2024, 486,614 trains did not reach their destination as scheduled, for an OTP of 82.2 percent.

New York City’s adopted $119.7 billion fiscal year 2026 budget is currently balanced (including pre-payments) but there are significant concerns over funding from Washington and slowing economic growth that could jeopardize its financial position and discretionary programs if greater preparation is not taken. The City must make balanced and prudent fiscal choices in the coming year while managing its substantial operational needs and encouraging employment and business growth to enhance its economic and tax revenue base.

Despite having the fourth-largest construction sector in the nation, New York State is one of five states that have not recovered from pandemic job losses and a full recovery may take some time as construction businesses in New York City continue to face a variety of challenges, including softer demand for office space. This report provides an update to the Office of the New York State Comptroller’s report that found the COVID-19 pandemic had an outsized impact on the construction sector in New York City. 

The MTA has made substantial progress funding its capital programs and has tried to limit the strain on its operating budget from debt service costs, but potential federal actions threaten its financial future and debt profile.

Stronger than anticipated revenues and lower costs for asylum seekers will help New York City balance its $118 billion fiscal year 2026 budget. However, potential fiscal challenges are emerging, including continued uncertainty regarding federal policy and economic conditions, and fiscal risks from anticipated federal budget cuts. These challenges could limit the City’s potential revenue upside and make it harder to continue to fund recent spending additions for discretionary programs and maintain services.