The Tri-State Solution
A collaborative regional approach to modernize Penn Station and integrate the New York metropolitan area's rail systems.
The Problem
Current Terminal Operations
Penn Station currently operates as a terminal station. Trains from New Jersey Transit, Long Island Rail Road, and Amtrak enter and then must reverse direction to exit, creating bottlenecks and inefficiency.
This terminal configuration:
- Limits capacity to 21 trains per hour
- Forces trains to reverse direction
- Creates platform congestion
- Requires complex scheduling
The Tri-State Solution
The Through-Running Approach
The Tri-State Solution proposes converting Penn Station from a terminal to a through-running station, allowing trains to continue eastward to connect with Long Island Rail Road or Metro-North, or westward to New Jersey Transit.
This approach will:
- Increase capacity to 50+ trains per hour
- Eliminate the need for trains to reverse
- Reduce platform congestion
- Allow for more direct service options
- Improve regional connectivity
The solution leverages existing infrastructure while making targeted improvements to maximize efficiency.
Key Benefits
Time Savings
Commuters will save up to 20 minutes each way on regional trips by eliminating transfers and reducing delays. This adds up to 170+ hours saved annually per regular commuter.
Regional Connectivity
Direct service between New Jersey, Manhattan, Long Island, and Connecticut creates a truly integrated regional rail network, enhancing job accessibility and economic development.
Increased Capacity
Through-running can more than double the station's capacity from 21 to 50+ trains per hour, serving an additional 100,000+ daily passengers without requiring massive new tunnels.
Implementation Plan
Phased Implementation
The Tri-State Solution can be implemented in phases to minimize disruption while delivering benefits as quickly as possible:
Platform Widening & Initial Through-Running
Widen key platforms and implement initial through-running service between NJ Transit and LIRR using existing infrastructure.
Core Optimization & Expanded Service
Optimize the station core, improve passenger circulation, and expand through-running service to include more lines and higher frequency.
Full Regional Integration
Complete infrastructure upgrades and implement comprehensive regional rail service with coordinated scheduling across all agencies.
Cost Comparison
The Tri-State Solution leverages existing infrastructure and focuses on targeted improvements to maximize efficiency and minimize costs.
- Platform widening & reconfiguration
- Track connections
- Signaling upgrades
- Coordinated regional operations
The current Amtrak plan requires extensive new construction and significant real estate acquisition, resulting in much higher costs.
- New Penn Station South
- Large-scale property acquisition
- Extensive underground excavation
- Separate agency operations
The Tri-State Solution offers tremendous cost savings while delivering comparable or superior performance improvements.
These savings could be redirected to other critical infrastructure needs in the region or used to expand the scope of transit improvements.
Cost Comparison
Current Status
Project Status
The Tri-State Solution has gained momentum with key stakeholders across the region:
- Transit advocates and transportation experts have endorsed the through-running approach as both more efficient and more cost-effective.
- Independent analysis has validated the capacity and performance improvements.
- Regional planning organizations are incorporating elements of the proposal into their long-term vision.
- Initial funding is being explored through federal infrastructure programs and regional partnerships.
Next Steps
Moving forward, the following actions are needed to advance the Tri-State Solution:
- Formalize collaboration between NJ Transit, LIRR, Metro-North, and Amtrak on integrated operations.
- Develop detailed engineering plans for track connections and platform modifications.
- Secure initial funding for Phase 1 implementation.
- Establish a regional governance framework to oversee the project.
Media Coverage
"Regional Rail Plan Gains Traction as Alternative to Penn Station Expansion"
Transportation experts are increasingly looking at a regional approach that would transform Penn Station's operations rather than just expanding its footprint.
"Transit Agencies Consider Integrated Approach to Penn Station Redesign"
A coalition of transit advocates is pushing for a more collaborative, cost-effective solution to the Penn Station bottleneck that would better serve the entire region.
"Through-Running Could Double Penn Station Capacity at Fraction of Cost"
A new analysis suggests that implementing through-running at Penn Station could more than double capacity while saving billions compared to current expansion plans.
Get Involved
Join the Coalition
The Tri-State Solution represents a collaborative approach to solving one of the region's most critical transportation challenges. We invite stakeholders from across the tri-state area to join our coalition:
- Transit advocates
- Community organizations
- Business leaders
- Municipal officials
- Transportation experts
Together, we can build a more connected, efficient, and sustainable regional rail network.