MTA needs to rethink their current approach to Second Ave Subway's Phase 2 project to be extended to The Bronx. The current plan is only constructing 3 new stations from 96th St to Harlem - 125th St with a budget of over $6 Billion. 

Terminating at 125th St between Lexington Ave and Park Ave would only benefit a small percentage of daily riders who uses Metro-North. This leaves many Bronx riders out of the loop of a potential relief from the overcrowding on the 4/5/6 Lines on Lexington Avenue. Although MTA claims the extension will add additional transit options and reduces crowding, they never took consideration of the potential of additional riders from both East Harlem's and The Hub's redevelopment plans. 

A new plan to extend the current line to 3 Ave - 149th St would not only provide additional transportation options but will eventually lead to better considerations for the replacement of the former 3rd Ave Line. 

Modifying the 125th St station to run directly north under 3rd Ave instead would avoid having to construct new tunnels deep below the 4/5/6 and dramatically cut construction costs. MTA should plan to spend the extra costs on two additional stations in The Bronx at 138th St and 149th St under 3rd Ave to connect with the 2, 5 and 6 lines respectively. 

MTA should also reconsider reducing the size of their large mezzanines. Large mezzanines aren't as necessary for crowd control and circulation. Constructing the tunnels, new tracking, power distribution, accessibility and ancillary buildings already adds to the construction costs. Riders just need quick and easier access points to enter and exit the station. 

Finally, MTA needs to reconsider the tracking plan west of 96 St. A 2-track line would only block off any additional capacity and trains per hour when Phase 3 is decided to be constructed. It also puts a risk of partial suspension of the line if there were to be a mechanical failure on a train or an emergency. Building an additional relay train on the line will help resolve that issue if any trains needs to bypass. 

The revised plan would benefit everyone in the long run and bring in more revenue to the city as New Yorkers rely more on public transit.