President Donald Trump’s administration has taken charge of the $7 billion reconstruction project for New York City’s Penn Station, bypassing the city’s mass transit agency. The move aims to revamp the aging rail hub plagued by issues like deteriorating tracks and dismal commuter areas. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that his agency, in collaboration with Amtrak, will spearhead the project, citing the need for a more efficient and effective approach due to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s track record of inefficiency and mismanagement.
Governor Kathy Hochul praised the decision, highlighting it as a significant win for New Yorkers that could lead to cost savings. While details on the reconstruction timeline and plans are pending, Hochul expressed gratitude to President Trump and Secretary Duffy for committing to deliver a top-tier station for the city.
Authority Chair and CEO Janno Lieber welcomed the federal government’s involvement in the project, anticipating the MTA’s continued participation as the primary leaseholder of the station. Notably, Secretary Duffy’s recent disagreements with the transit agency over subway crime and congestion pricing in Manhattan have added a layer of complexity to the situation. Federal authorities have set a deadline to halt the congestion tolls, underscoring the ongoing challenges in New York City’s transportation landscape.
Overall, the shift in leadership for the Penn Station reconstruction project signifies a pivotal moment in the efforts to enhance one of the nation’s busiest transportation hubs and improve the overall commuter experience in New York City.
