FRA Launches Review of Penn Station Operations Amid Redevelopment Plans

The FRA will conduct an independent review of Penn Station operations to decide if more tracks are needed as redevelopment planning moves forward and capacity demands grow rapidly. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Amtrak executive Andy Byford announced the review during an Empire State Coalition event, outlining his goal to deliver a state-of-the-art station. He stressed that every aspect of Penn Station will undergo complete transformation.

FRA Study to Improve Penn Station Capacity

However, expansion remains controversial because it could require demolishing a city block. Opponents suggest reorganizing commuter operations to create through-running service instead of adding new infrastructure.

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But Amtrak and regional rail operators argue extra capacity is vital. Their joint study concluded expansion is the only way to handle future traffic growth once the Gateway Tunnel project finishes under the Hudson River.

Penn Station Redevelopment Faces Key Decisions

An FRA spokesperson called the review “an independent service optimization study.” Byford added that multiple competing redevelopment plans exist and confirmed an upcoming competition to select the best proposal.

Earlier this year, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy shifted leadership from the MTA to FRA and Amtrak at President Trump’s direction. State officials welcomed federal involvement, noting it could save taxpayers $1.3 billion.

Byford highlighted the importance of collaboration among agencies. He explained he reports both to Amtrak leadership and to federal transportation officials because of the project’s national significance.

When asked about a timeline, Byford offered no specific dates, saying details will become clear later. With FRA’s review underway, the future of Penn Station redevelopment will shape rail travel in the Northeast.

Source: www.trains.com

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