Andy Byford, the longtime transit executive who oversaw rail systems in New York City, Toronto, London, and Sydney, has been selected to advise Amtrak on the redevelopment of New York’s Penn Station. 

Last month, the U.S. Department of Transportation and Amtrak took over the Penn Station Reconstruction Project from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. At that time, the Trump administration stated that the takeover was part of an effort to manage the project more efficiently. Byford will report directly to the Amtrak board of directors and will collaborate closely with the U.S. DOT. Byford was already overseeing Amtrak’s high-speed rail initiatives. 

“We’re thrilled to have Andy oversee the redevelopment and modernization of this vital transit hub,” said U.S Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy in a press release. “Andy shares our dedication to keeping costs down and completing this project on time. Together we’ll work to deliver a brand-new Penn Station that is safe, clean, and worthy of the American people.”

Penn Station has been the focus of renovation proposals for several years, yet it remains uncertain what the final outcome will resemble. —Railfan & Railroad Staff