MTA's Lazarus to lead $12B rolling stock replacement program

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority in New York has selected its Deputy Chief of Commercial Ventures Jessie Lazarus to lead the $12 billion rail and bus fleet replacement program called for in the MTA 2025-2029 capital program.

Lazarus will create and lead the team charged with overseeing rolling stock acquisition and lifetime costs for MTA New York City Transit, Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad, MTA officials said in a press release.

"With billions of dollars set aside for new subway cars, commuter trains and buses in the new capital plan, we need strong leadership driving the decision-making," said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. "Jessie’s no stranger to big projects and complex commercial negotiations, and I have total confidence in her ability to deliver the best deal for the MTA and our millions of daily riders."

She will work with Lieber, agency presidents and the MTA chief financial officer to ensure new rolling stock fleets meet required specifications, increase supplier competition and encourage domestic manufacturing, MTA officials said.

Lazarus joined the MTA in 2023. She was responsible for commercial partnerships that strengthened service offerings, including the transition from MetroCard to the tap-and-ride payment system, MTA officials said. She has previously held leadership roles with Toyota and the city of New York.