A new five-year capital program is supposed to start next year, but agency officials say they cannot pay for it.
But the $45 million needed to design and build the two test trains will come from the authority's current capital program.
This capital program is one of - if not the - largest in the country, public or private.
The capital program reflects a further major commitment to education.
Since 1986, the state has spent $67.2 million for island operating and capital programs.
The plan says the increase proposed for April is needed to carry out the current capital program.
The Mayor said his budget request would provide a 100 percent increase in the capital program.
The city's mass transit system will always need a big capital program to survive.
There was a third capital program, due to be finished next year.
"We would also lose close to $150 million out of our capital program just next year alone."