Judge Restores $34 Million for New York City Transit System Security
17.10.2025
A federal judge reinstated $34 million in anti-terror funds for the New York City Transit System, confirming that federal security grants must be distributed based on terrorism risk, not political factors.
This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.
New York City Transit System Funding Restored by Court Order
Judge Lewis A. Kaplan ruled that the Trump administration acted unlawfully when it blocked the city’s $34 million grant. His decision cited the Transit Security Grant Program’s requirement that funding depend only on terrorism risk assessments.
The judgment converted a temporary injunction into a permanent one, ensuring that New York City continues receiving funds designated for its transit security operations. The ruling applied to the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, both responsible for administering the program.
Court documents revealed that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) lost its funding after FEMA classified New York City as a “Sanctuary Jurisdiction.” The judge found that this justification violated federal grant criteria and legal standards for allocation.
New York City Transit System to Maintain Counterterrorism Measures
The restored funding supports MTA counterterrorism patrols, surveillance system upgrades, and infrastructure enhancements across subway, bus, and commuter rail services. These measures form part of the agency’s long-term protection strategy against terrorist threats.
According to court filings, the grant also covers cybersecurity tools and detection technologies designed to identify potential risks in high-traffic stations. The MTA noted that this funding helps ensure continued operation of specialized security units deployed throughout the transit system.
The Transit Security Grant Program was created after the September 11 attacks to strengthen transportation safety nationwide. New York City receives the largest allocation among all U.S. transit agencies due to its passenger volume and risk profile.
Source: abcnews.go.com
News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed:
What is the purpose of the $34 million for the New York City Transit System?
The funding enhances counterterrorism patrols, surveillance, and infrastructure protection for subway, bus, and commuter rail operations.
Why did the court restore the New York City Transit System funds?
The judge determined that the federal government violated the law by withholding funds based on political designations unrelated to terrorism risk.
What agency manages the grants for the New York City Transit System?
The Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency oversee the Transit Security Grant Program.
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