Penn Access project delay extends MTA timeline to 2030
28.10.2025
The Penn Access project schedule has been pushed from 2027 to 2030 due to delays by Amtrak, but the MTA plans to proceed with the opening of limited services by 2027.
This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.
Penn Access project delay challenges coordination
The MTA argues that a failure by Amtrak to deliver personnel as well as track outages slowed the progress of the Hell Gate Line. The crew had been waiting for an opportunity that never came.
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Amtrak has missed almost a hundred working days from 2023 to 2025. This left them unable to work on the project. As the project relies on the infrastructure of Amtrak’s system, each missed opportunity increases the timeframe by months.
MTA executives compared the current struggle to past issues with the East Side Access project, which also suffered from slow cooperation. They warned that New York cannot afford another decade-long delay on a key commuter rail link.
Penn Access project service plan offers early relief
To reduce the burden on them, the MTA will change its strategy and start the partial service earlier. The 31 daily Metro-North trains are expected to serve the areas of Parkchester/Van Nest, Co-op City, and Morris Park from 2027.
These trains will run on existing routes by using new battery-electric-powered trains. The third rail will not be necessary. As it relies on Amtrak’s acceptance for additional track access, it has not been given a timeline.
Amtrak claims it has already spent $140 million on the project and has had to suspend some of its own services. However, officials from the MTA express that without accelerated cooperation, even limited services can face additional delays.
Transportation officials believe that the finishing of the Penn Access project will revolutionize transport services in the Bronx. The need for effective coordination, work rules, and scheduling practices cannot be underestimated to ensure success.
Source: www.trains.com
News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed:
What is the Penn Access project?
The Penn Access project is an MTA initiative to connect Metro-North trains directly to Penn Station with four new Bronx stations along the Hell Gate Line.
Why was the Penn Access project delayed?
Amtrak’s failure to provide sufficient work access and staff caused repeated construction interruptions, pushing completion from 2027 to 2030.
When will passengers see new service?
Limited Metro-North service could begin by 2027 if the MTA and Amtrak reach new agreements to accelerate track work and temporary station construction.
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