Trump’s Penn Station rebuild opens door to unifying New York’s railroads

The idea to unite New York and New Jersey’s busiest railroads has long been dismissed by elected officials on both sides of the Hudson River for logistical and political reasons. But now the time may finally come. As President Donald Trump pushes ahead with a federally run renovation of Penn Station and crews build a new set of rail tunnels beneath the Hudson River, supporters say there’s a rare opportunity to reorganize the entire rail network.
New York City Cannot Repeat Boston’s Big Dig Mistake

Streetsblog NYC
Amtrak’s Funding to Regional Plan Association Surpasses $2.3 Million Since 2017

Tax records reviewed by AN show the Regional Plan Association has received $2.3 million from Amtrak since 2017, contradicting earlier narratives about the organization’s independence. The report highlights the conflict of interest inherent in the RPA championing Amtrak-led projects, including the Gateway Program, while on the agency’s payroll.
Trump boasts that the $16 billion Gateway Project is “terminated”

The Architect’s Newspaper
The Lost Compact: How a Forgotten 1958 Plan Holds the Key to Penn Station’s Future

Lackawanna Coalition
Regional Plan Association accepted at least $850K from Amtrak as part of its Hudson Tunnel advocacy

Crain’s NY Business
Long-trusted nonprofit sells its independence to Amtrak, casting doubt on Penn Station views

New York Daily News
NJ Transit Is NYC’s Least Reliable Commuter Rail — By a Long Shot

Bloomberg CityLab
New York’s Office Market Could Win Big With Andy Byford

Commercial Observer
Andy Byford will lead Penn Station’s overhaul as Amtrak Board of Directors Special Advisor—what does it mean for the redesign?

The Architect’s Newspaper