UPDATE: Significant progress has been announced in the ambitious overhaul of Penn Station as officials reveal key milestones that will reshape this vital transit hub. On Thursday, renowned transit leader Andy Byford, formerly of the MTA and now an advisor to Amtrak, joined U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Secretary Sean Duffy to confirm the launch of the next phase in transforming the aging facility into a “world-class” destination.
The announcement comes amid ongoing controversies regarding delays in the Penn Station Access project in the Bronx, underlining the urgency of modernizing this critical transportation gateway. Byford highlighted that the groundbreaking is set for 2027, with efforts ramping up to ensure the project stays on track.
Three key milestones were unveiled, including the initiation of the search for a master developer who will be tasked with creating a cohesive plan for the transformation. This plan will feature a single-level passenger concourse and a complete redesign of the 115-year-old station’s infrastructure. The solicitation for developers began on Thursday, and applications will be evaluated through Spring 2026.
“This will be one of the biggest and most significant construction projects in U.S. history,” Byford stated. “We want the most skilled partners to help make it a success while minimizing costs for taxpayers.”
To aid in the process, the federal government has enlisted a team of advisors, including legal counsel from Hunton Andrews Kurth, LLP, financial consulting from KPMG, and environmental insights from AKRF. This collaboration aims to address the anticipated growth in passenger service at the station.
Sean Duffy emphasized the administration’s commitment to cutting through bureaucratic delays, asserting, “Under President Trump, USDOT is committed to meeting our ambitious timeline.” Duffy expressed confidence that the project will become a symbol of American infrastructure and architecture.
As the busiest transit hub in the United States, Penn Station served over 12 million passengers last year, facilitating more than 1,000 daily train movements from various services, including NJ Transit, Amtrak, and the MTA’s Long Island Rail Road.
The urgency of this project is magnified by recent disputes between MTA officials and Amtrak regarding a three-year delay on the Bronx access project, which is crucial for residents seeking faster transit options to Midtown. Local politicians, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ritchie Torres, have called for accountability, blaming Amtrak for the setbacks.
However, Amtrak has committed approximately $140 million towards the project and maintains that it is dedicated to mitigating delays and ensuring the completion of the Penn Station Access initiative. “We are committed to being good stewards of taxpayer investment,” the agency stated.
With the groundwork for this extensive overhaul firmly in motion, Byford’s team and federal officials are now focused on delivering a transformative experience for millions of commuters. As the project progresses, all eyes will be on the selection of the master developer and the subsequent steps leading to the groundbreaking in 2027.
Stay tuned as this story develops, and share your thoughts on the future of Penn Station!
