MTA Project Pushed Back by Three Years as Penn Station Train Connection Struggles to Get Off the Ground
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has admitted that its ambitious project to bring Metro-North trains to Penn Station and introduce four new stations in the Bronx is now at least three years behind schedule. The $2.9 billion Penn Access initiative, which aims to deliver 50% of planned service by 2027, is expected to be completed no earlier than 2030.
The MTA has attributed the delays to Amtrak, citing the federal rail line's refusal to close its tracks to allow for work to proceed on schedule. This latest development adds fuel to a growing feud between the two agencies, with the MTA accusing Amtrak of stalling and failing to deliver cooperation.
The project, which would send Metro-North trains from the Bronx through Queens to Penn Station via the Hell Gate Bridge, has already sparked concerns about increased costs and disruption to services. The temporary plan proposed by the MTA would involve operating Metro-North trains on existing tracks with limited service to four new stations in the Bronx.
MTA Chair Janno Lieber has expressed frustration with Amtrak's lack of cooperation, warning that the agency's failure to comply with agreements could undermine the integrity of the project. "This is deadly serious," Lieber said, referencing a notorious MTA project that cost $11.6 billion and opened in 2023 – more than three years behind schedule.
The latest development has sparked renewed calls for transparency and accountability from the MTA. As one Amtrak spokesperson put it, "We remain committed to this critical project, and being good stewards of taxpayer investment." However, with the project's cost expected to rise due to delays and the temporary service plan, concerns are growing that the final product will not meet its promised benefits for the Bronx community.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has admitted that its ambitious project to bring Metro-North trains to Penn Station and introduce four new stations in the Bronx is now at least three years behind schedule. The $2.9 billion Penn Access initiative, which aims to deliver 50% of planned service by 2027, is expected to be completed no earlier than 2030.
The MTA has attributed the delays to Amtrak, citing the federal rail line's refusal to close its tracks to allow for work to proceed on schedule. This latest development adds fuel to a growing feud between the two agencies, with the MTA accusing Amtrak of stalling and failing to deliver cooperation.
The project, which would send Metro-North trains from the Bronx through Queens to Penn Station via the Hell Gate Bridge, has already sparked concerns about increased costs and disruption to services. The temporary plan proposed by the MTA would involve operating Metro-North trains on existing tracks with limited service to four new stations in the Bronx.
MTA Chair Janno Lieber has expressed frustration with Amtrak's lack of cooperation, warning that the agency's failure to comply with agreements could undermine the integrity of the project. "This is deadly serious," Lieber said, referencing a notorious MTA project that cost $11.6 billion and opened in 2023 – more than three years behind schedule.
The latest development has sparked renewed calls for transparency and accountability from the MTA. As one Amtrak spokesperson put it, "We remain committed to this critical project, and being good stewards of taxpayer investment." However, with the project's cost expected to rise due to delays and the temporary service plan, concerns are growing that the final product will not meet its promised benefits for the Bronx community.
The cost of delays and changes is just gonna add up, like with that $11.6 billion MTA project from 2023 that was super delayed. What really gets me though is how Amtrak is blaming everyone else for the delays. Like, can’t they just take responsibility for once? 
And it's not just about the money, I worry that this delay will actually make things worse for the community in the Bronx who were expecting some much-needed upgrades.
It feels like we're seeing more of the same old problems from our transportation agencies. I'm not buying the "we remain committed" line from Amtrak, though - actions speak louder than words! 
... anyway, have you guys tried that new ramen place downtown? It's so good! I went there with friends last weekend and we had the best time chatting about nothing 
. So, like, back to this Penn Station thingy... it's crazy how Amtrak is being all stubborn about it. Can't they just cooperate already? 
And what's up with the cost going up? Like, I get it, delays happen, but can we at least have a concrete plan now? 
. It's frustrating for anyone trying to plan their life around this project. The alternative plan doesn't sound great either, like we're just gonna be using old tracks and hoping it all works out? 
It's gonna be interesting to see how this all plays out...
like wat r they even doin over there? Amtrak is just makin it hard for them and now ppl r worried bout the cost 
janno lieber sounds so frustrated though 
can't blame him 
Three more years? That's ages in transit time! I'm getting worried about the delays and the impact on commuters. The MTA needs to get a grip on this project ASAP 
️.
. What's wrong with the original plan to have Metro-North trains use the new tracks? 
. We need it to be done on time, or else we'll just end up with a bigger bill and more headaches 
.
. What were they thinking?!
the temp plan sounds half-baked to me, just pushing trains through existing tracks with limited service... it's gonna be a mess 
amtrak is being all slow about it which is super annoying 
to show what's going on:
and mta needs to figure out how to work around amtrak's stuff 
. Three years behind schedule?!?! 
I get it, delays happen, but this one feels like a total mess 
. We need transparency and accountability from both agencies ASAP 
! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we can still see progress by 2027 
. And, omg, the temporary plan is so confusing 
!
they need 2 step up their game ASAP. I feel bad for the Bronx community tho, they deserve good trains and reliable services 
. maybe mta should re-evaluate their plan or work w/ amtrak to find a solution that works 
