Trump Appoints Transit Veteran to Lead Penn Station Overhaul

Trump has selected Andy Byford, a seasoned transit executive known for leading global rail systems, to oversee the long-awaited Penn Station renovation project recently reassigned to federal oversight. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Byford’s appointment follows Trump’s decision to remove control from the MTA last month, shifting leadership to a more centralized federal structure. New York Governor Kathy Hochul confirmed the transition after speaking with Trump directly.

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Byford, often called “Train Daddy” during his NYC Transit tenure, has led operations in London, Sydney, Toronto, and New York. He joined Amtrak in 2023 to advise on high-speed rail development across the U.S.

His new role suggests a stronger federal push to reshape Penn Station with updated priorities. Transit advocates view this as a break from prior Amtrak-led plans that included demolishing a city block for NJ Transit expansion.

At a 2023 public forum, Byford criticized unnecessary demolition of historic buildings near Eighth Avenue. He also endorsed through-running—allowing trains to pass through Penn rather than terminate there—to boost frequency and reduce platform congestion.

Despite Amtrak’s concerns about equipment compatibility among LIRR, NJ Transit, and Amtrak trains, advocates believe through-running remains feasible with proper coordination and investment.

Trump’s Pick Draws Broad Support from Transit Advocates

Whether Byford will have authority to alter Amtrak’s existing demolition proposal for Block 780 remains uncertain. That block, located between West 30th and 31st Streets, was slated for clearance to create new platforms.

MTA leaders welcomed the change. John McCarthy, the agency’s external affairs chief, praised Byford’s transit expertise and his previous support for congestion pricing during his NYC tenure.

Preservation groups also reacted positively. Layla Law-Gisiko of the City Club of New York said Byford’s integrity and local knowledge make him the obvious choice for leading Penn Station’s redesign.

ReThinkNYC’s Samuel Turvey called the move a “great choice for the entire region,” emphasizing that even with Byford’s leadership, broader collaboration will be essential for long-term success.

Source: www.nydailynews.com