Hochul rejects Amtrak's plan for Midtown Manhattan depot

Governor Kathy Hochul announced a significant decision on Tuesday that will positively impact a Manhattan neighborhood and the future of Penn Station. She rejected Amtrak's controversial plan that would have destroyed a large area of Midtown, affecting homes and businesses while costing at least $17 billion. Hochul aims to improve the current state of Penn Station, which has been poorly managed for over fifty years. Her administration wants to make it a beautiful place without the need to demolish nearby buildings. She is passionate about revitalizing the station and has committed $1.2 billion to the project, seeking additional federal support to enhance its development. In a surprising shake-up, Amtrak's CEO Steve Gardner was dismissed the following day. This change could shift the railroad's direction and help New York move forward with its transit plans. Hochul expressed excitement about collaborating more closely with federal officials, including President Trump, to restore Penn Station to a state it can be proud of. Various groups and agencies have proposed plans for Penn Station. All of these proposals share the goal of simplifying the station layout and improving passenger experiences. These plans aim to bring down the upper level, which will create a more open and accessible environment for travelers. Additionally, Hochul believes that regional transit systems should have more control over how the station operates, instead of being dictated by Amtrak. There are considerations to transfer ownership of key rail tubes to local agencies that can effectively manage them. This will help modernize the transit infrastructure and avoid unnecessary disruptions to service. Hochul is determined to bring in more trains and improve service at Penn Station. With the leadership changes at Amtrak, there is an opportunity for a new beginning in New York's rail system. The focus is on making train travel efficient, convenient, and beneficial for passengers throughout the region.