Amtrak and federal officials agreed on a new plan for the station's redesign that may be largely funded by the federal government.
Amtrak announced it has selected a plan and developer for the redesign of Penn Station, reports Ramsey Khalifeh for Gothamist. "The announcement represents the biggest step forward in the rebuild of the notoriously dreary transit hub since the Trump administration took control of the project from the MTA last year. If realized, the plan would be a transformative upgrade."
The plan seeks to upgrade the station and the exterior of Madison Square Garden, crucially without relocating the sports and events venue. "The federal railroad said the redesign would also create opportunities for new retailers and give commuters an easier walk around the station." Amtrak officials say the plan will also expand track capacity and allow some NJ Transit and Long Island Rail Road trains to "through-run" without stopping to turn around at Penn Station.
Khalifeh notes that President Trump has ordered Amtrak to break ground on the project by the end of 2027, and that USDOT Secretary Sean Duffy has said the administration is pledging $8 billion for the reconstruction.
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