New report from RPA finds investments in gateway program will generate over $445 billion in benefits

April 23, 2025, Regional Plan Association (RPA) released a comprehensive analysis evaluating the economic benefits of the full build of 11 projects* in the Gateway Program. The new report, titled The Economic Promise of the Gateway Program, outlines the need for the complete revitalization and expansion of transit infrastructure between Newark, New Jersey and New York Penn Station to provide more reliable service for millions of rail passengers on one of the busiest railway stretches on the Northeast Corridor (NEC). Using the Transight model developed by Regional Economic Models, Inc. (REMI), the analysis shows that the full build of the Gateway Program will annually sustain 46,100 new jobs on average and generate an estimated $445 billion in economic benefits by 2060.

“Through the creation of tens of thousands of jobs and enhanced infrastructure, the Gateway Program will provide a much-needed boost for our regional and national economies,” said Tom Wright, President and CEO of Regional Plan Association. “It’s essential that the Gateway Program continue to move forward to strengthen our region and the entire Northeast Corridor.”

The Gateway Program is a multi-phase series of projects that will deliver critical rail infrastructure and double capacity along the ten-mile rail segment stretching between Newark, New Jersey and New York Penn Station (NYP), along the NEC. While parts of the NEC are composed of four to six tracks, this critical section carries over 200,000 passengers on 450 daily trains and is only served by two tracks. Through its 11 core projects, The Gateway Program seeks to improve severely aging infrastructure and expand capacity through a systemized, phased approach that will minimize disruptions to current services.

In assessing the full Gateway Program, RPA found that in its first 15 years of operation (between 2045 and 2060) – the Program will stimulate $230 billion in the tri-state region’s economy and an additional $170 billion across the U.S. The Gateway Program supports the regional and national economy by expanding the regional labor market, inducing time and cost travel savings, and boosting business productivity. Additionally, the Gateway Program’s core project construction is projected to generate $42.8 billion.

“With delays and cancelled trains, commuters are reminded daily that the majority of the NEC’s current infrastructure hasn’t been replaced in almost a century,” said Kate Slevin, Executive Vice President of Regional Plan Association. “The projects outlined in the Gateway Program are vital upgrades that advance our infrastructure and environmental agendas, while also providing transit riders with the smooth and reliable commute they deserve. An investment in the Gateway Program is an investment in improving the lives of those who rely on passenger rail service every day.”

“We would be hard pressed to find another project that delivers this kind of economic benefit and keeps our region humming the way Gateway will,” said Rachel Weinberger, Director for Research and Peter Herman Chair for Transportation at Regional Plan Association. “I’m proud to have been part of the team that quantified these impacts. If there was a doubt in anyone's mind of the importance of this project, this report should surely erase it. I'm excited that RPA's research efforts contribute to good policy choices. Let's get all the parts of the Gateway Program funded."

“Gateway has long been a labor of love for me — from the thousands of jobs it creates to its resounding and reverberating economic impact," said U.S. Senator, Chuck Schumer, (D-NY). “As RPA’s analysis shows, Gateway is a lucrative investment that will deliver for the regional economy, commuters, union workers and the national economy — to the tune of nearly half a trillion in economic benefit. That is why I ensured the federal government committed tremendous support to getting one of the nation’s most important infrastructure upgrades done. Gateway is all systems go.”

“The Gateway Program will create tens of thousands of jobs, infuse billions of dollars into our economy, and improve the rider experience for the millions of passengers who travel the Northeast Corridor every year,” said U.S. Senator, Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). “Commuters throughout the northeast rely on New York’s infrastructure, and this project will give our rail system the updates it needs to continue providing riders with smooth and reliable transit experiences. This project will serve the people of New York for years to come, and as a ranking member of the Transportation and Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, I will continue to fight to ensure that this project is fully funded and completed.”

“Regional Plan Association’s latest report on the Gateway Program presents a clear picture of the vital benefits the initiative provides not just to New Jersey but the entire Northeast Corridor,” said U.S. Senator, Cory Booker (D-NJ). “The Gateway Program is, and will continue to be, an economic boon, creating and sustaining tens of thousands of good paying jobs and bolstering the wellbeing of New Jersey’s families and communities across the region. It’s also clear that the completion of the Gateway Program will strengthen the integrity of our nation’s busiest transit corridor, ensuring reliable, efficient service throughout. I look forward to seeing Gateway’s continued progress in the months and years to come, and I’ll continue to work to make sure we see the program’s eleven components through.”

“The Gateway Program is one of the most critical infrastructure projects in the country and will have national economic impact,” said U.S. Senator, Andy Kim (D-NJ). “For New Jersey families, this project will be a game changer for reliable transit and will help workers get to their jobs on time and back to their families for dinner with their kids.”

“Every step forward in the Gateway Program reinforces New Jersey’s position as a vital regional crossroads—positioned to reap the full economic benefits of this historic project,” said New Jersey Governor, Phil Murphy (D). “Completing the Gateway Program is not just about infrastructure—it’s about laying the foundation for a new century of American leadership.”

“With $445 billion in projected benefits and tens of thousands of jobs on the line, the Gateway Program is a critical infrastructure investment that will support American workers and keep our economy on track,” said Congressman Mike Lawler (R NY-17). “The numbers speak for themselves; it's time to fund and build Gateway now.”

“Since first running for office, I’ve fought tooth and nail to secure federal funding to build our nation’s most important infrastructure project — the Hudson River Tunnel — but we have more work to do along the Northeast Corridor,” said Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (D NJ-11). “This exciting report tells us what New Jerseyans have known for a long time — that the impact of the Gateway Program will be immense, from reducing traffic and air pollution to lowering the commute times. These investments in public transit will boost our economy and improve the quality of life for families across the Garden State, so it is critical that we continue progress in modernizing this vital stretch of our rail system.”

“The Gateway Program isn’t just critical for New York — it’s essential to the economic future of the entire country,” said Congressman Dan Goldman (D NY-10). “This new analysis reinforces what we’ve said all along: modern rail infrastructure is a smart, strategic investment that drives job creation, boosts our economy, and strengthens regional resilience. We cannot afford further delays — we must get this done.”

“The Gateway Program is an incredible example of the positive impacts of infrastructure investment”, said Congressman Rob Menendez (D NJ-08). “Through this project, we’re transforming our economy by creating tens of thousands of jobs, billions of dollars of economic impact, and an ambitious vision for the future of public transportation in our region. I’m proud to partner with so many dedicated leaders and advocates to move this project forward and thrilled for what it means for our great state.”

"The Gateway Program is much more than just an infrastructure project,” said Congressman Tom Suozzi (D NY-3). “It invests in economic growth, job creation, and regional resilience. Fully funding and completing this important initiative will unlock billions of dollars in economic activity and strengthen New York's role as a national economic engine. It took years of advocacy, effective political leadership, and bipartisan agreements to get to this long-awaited point. Let’s go!"

“The Gateway Program is a once-in-a-generation investment that will not only transform daily commutes for millions but also fuel our economy with over $445 billion in impact and tens of thousands of jobs each year through 2060,” said Tom Bracken, President and CEO of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce. “By modernizing our infrastructure, we're improving reliability for commuters, reducing delays, and strengthening the backbone of our local and national economies. This is more than just a transportation upgrade—it's a long-term commitment to growth and opportunity.”

"The Gateway Program will be the most transformative infrastructure project along the Northeast Corridor in history,” said Carlo Scissura, President and CEO of the New York Building Congress. “It is the centerpiece of that corridor, which represents 20% of the nation's GDP, making it a project of national significance. The New York Building Congress is proud to support projects like Gateway that will strengthen our city, state and region, and lay the foundation for a better-connected and more reliable future of mass transportation nationwide."

“Our economic competitiveness and quality of life are dependent on a safe and efficient transportation system,” said Mike Hellstrom, International VP and Regional Manager of the Laborers’ International Union of North America. “It is a testament to our leaders that we are finally and fully addressing the dire need to upgrade and address the aging bottleneck of our 115-year-old rail infrastructure connecting not only New York and New Jersey, but the entire northeast corridor and beyond. The Economic Promise of the Gateway Program Report goes a step further and shows the Gateway Program to be more than an expense, but an investment–one that creates good-paying jobs, supports the regional economy and improves our standing as a place where people want to live and work and where businesses want to locate and invest.”

“With great detail, the RPA’s report, The Economic Promise of the Gateway Program, outlines the impact that America's largest infrastructure modernization and expansion program will have on the region and nation,” said Manny Amador, Business Manager, Laborers’ Local 47.” As Business Manager of Laborers' Local 472, representing the skilled Laborers who, among other things, proudly build our transportation networks, I can tell you that the economic and social benefits of the Gateway Program are already materializing. Each day, our members go to work on construction projects that will build railway capacity, improve reliability, and ensure our safety. This is not only a long-overdue investment for our nation and region, it is a program that creates job opportunities with fair wages and improves the quality of life for all in our region.”

"The benefits of this project to the region as well as to the entire Northeast Corridor are multi-dimensional as the report accurately notes,” said Robert G. Wessels, Executive Director of the General Contractors Association of New York. "Direct jobs, peripheral jobs, and a major long-term financial and economic boost only complement its mobility and resiliency advantages!"

"The Gateway Program represents a generational investment in our city's future,” said Steven Rubenstein, Chairman, Association for a Better New York (ABNY). “It promises to bring enhanced connectivity and economic vitality for millions of people and thousands of businesses across the region. ABNY stands behind Gateway. Now more than ever, we have to show the world that New York City is investing in the infrastructure to stay competitive on the global stage.”

“This report confirms that the economic benefits of the Gateway Program are tremendous,” said James Whelan, President, Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY). “The completion of this project is critical for our region’s growth.”

"Investing in regional transit like the Gateway Program is not only necessary for our commuters — it’s a win for our environment,” said Julie Tighe, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters. “As RPA’s new report shows, by shifting more riders from cars to rail, we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, ease congestion, and improve air quality for communities across the region. NYLCV supports infrastructure projects like Gateway that move us toward a cleaner, more sustainable future."

"The Gateway Program is a once-in-a-generation investment in our region’s future. We’ve long known that modern, reliable public rail infrastructure doesn’t just move people - it powers our economy, improves our air, and creates tens of thousands of good, family-sustaining jobs,” said Ed Potosnak, Executive Director of the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters. “We strongly support the full implementation of the Gateway Program as a critical step toward a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future for New Jersey and the entire Northeast Corridor. As trains become a more attractive option, we’ll see fewer trips by car and bus, easing our roads and reducing pollution.”

* The 11 Gateway Program projects include:

Hudson Tunnel Project

Hudson Yards Concrete Casing

Portal North Bridge

Sawtooth Bridges Replacement

Dock Bridge Rehabilitation

Harrison Fourth Track

Portal South Bridge

Secaucus Expansion

Bergen Loops

NJ Transit Storage Yard

NY Penn Station Capacity Expansion