President Trump is taking charge of the reconstruction of Penn Station, removing the MTA from the project. This change was announced by federal transportation officials, who stated that Amtrak, which owns Penn Station, will now oversee the work.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized that it’s time for a new direction. He mentioned that New York deserves a modern Penn Station that reflects the best of America, and highlighted the need to curb wasteful spending often associated with the MTA. This shift aims to ensure that taxpayer money is used wisely, creating a transit hub that the public can be proud of.
For years, the MTA had plans to renovate Penn Station without moving Madison Square Garden, which sits above it. Now, the federal government wants to merge plans for reconstruction and expansion into one project, allowing for more train services in and out of Manhattan.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her support for this federal intervention, viewing it as a relief for New Yorkers. She pointed out that federal funding would save the state $1.3 billion, which would have been necessary for the project. It’s a significant win for the city, putting the responsibility directly on the federal level.
MTA Chair Janno Lieber acknowledged that the agency would still play a role in future plans, ensuring that the needs of commuters are met. Tom Wright, president of the Regional Plan Association, welcomed the federal takeover, hoping it would finally advance after years of delays. He noted that while the MTA had progress with parts of the station, overall plans for Penn Station had stalled.
Interestingly, a proposal to redesign Penn Station with a neoclassical style has gained support, backed by influential figures linked to Trump. Justin Shubow from the National Civic Art Society expressed hope that this new direction could finally lead to a beautiful Penn Station, acknowledging the long history of failed attempts by politicians.
Layla Law-Gisiko, president of the City Club of New York, urged that any new plans should focus on real improvements rather than just cosmetic changes. She stressed the importance of enhancing capacity and connectivity for commuters in the region.
Amid these developments, Hochul and Trump have also been discussing other significant matters, including MTA’s congestion pricing. The future of public transport in New York remains a hot topic, and the direction taken with Penn Station might set a new standard for similar projects nationwide.
Sources indicate that the urgency for improving infrastructure in major U.S. cities, including New York, is echoed by recent studies. A report by the American Society of Civil Engineers estimates that America needs to invest $4.5 trillion to improve its infrastructure by 2025, highlighting the importance of timely and effective management in projects like Penn Station.
For more information, you can dive into the comprehensive overview provided by the American Society of Civil Engineers.
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