URGENT UPDATE: Andy Byford, dubbed ‘Train Daddy’, just announced significant progress in the major overhaul of Penn Station, New York’s busiest transit hub, during a press conference on October 19, 2023. Joined by U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Secretary Sean Duffy, Byford revealed crucial milestones aimed at transforming the aging station into a “world-class” facility.
This announcement comes amid rising tensions over a three-year delay affecting the Penn Station Access project in the Bronx. The federal government now targets a groundbreaking for the ambitious renovation in 2027, marking a pivotal moment for the future of transit in New York City.
During the event, officials confirmed they are actively seeking a master developer for the project, which will include constructing a single-level passenger concourse and a complete redesign of the station’s 115-year-old infrastructure. “This will be one of the biggest and most significant construction projects in U.S. history,” Byford stated, emphasizing the need for skilled partners to minimize taxpayer costs.
The search for a master developer began on October 19, with applications to be shortlisted by Amtrak and federal officials. Formal proposals will be reviewed through spring 2026, with the final decision resting with the Amtrak board and ultimately presented to Duffy and President Trump.
Alongside this announcement, USDOT revealed a collaboration with several advisory firms, including legal and financial experts, to ensure the project stays on track. “We are cutting through the red tape to meet our ambitious timeline,” Duffy claimed, as he underscored the importance of creating a new symbol of American infrastructure.
With over 12 million passengers passing through Penn Station last year, the urgency for improvement is apparent. The station serves multiple lines, including NJ Transit, Amtrak, and the MTA’s Long Island Rail Road, facilitating more than 1,000 daily train movements.
However, the week has been tumultuous for both MTA and Amtrak, especially following accusations from politicians, including Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ritchie Torres, who blamed Amtrak for delays in the Bronx access project. Amtrak has invested approximately $140 million into this initiative and insists it remains committed to expediting the project’s completion.
In a statement, Janno Lieber, MTA chair and CEO, emphasized the importance of providing Bronx residents with efficient access to Midtown. “We shouldn’t be focused on disputes; we should concentrate on the service starting in 2027,” he remarked.
As developments unfold, the focus remains on securing a master developer and overcoming the challenges ahead. This project not only aims to modernize a crucial transit hub but also to significantly enhance the daily commuting experience for millions of New Yorkers and visitors.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops and follow the progress of what could become a historic transformation at Penn Station.
