LIRR: ‘Wider, Brighter’ NY Penn Concourse—With No ‘Head Knockers’

MTA Long Island Rail Road on Sept. 6 opened a partially reconstructed and modernized 33rd Street Concourse at New York Penn Station.

LIRR Third Main Track Second Section Opens

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) on Aug. 29 announced the opening of the 2.5-mile second section of the Long Island Rail Road’s new Main Line third track between the Merillon Avenue and Mineola stations.

The New York MTA has named Rosemonde Pierre-Louis of the McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research at New York University (NYU) and Roger Maldonado of Smith Gambrell LLP as Co-Chairs of its Blue-Ribbon Panel to combat fare and toll evasion. (Photograph Courtesy of NYCT)

People News: AllTranstek, CSX, New York MTA

Steve McCullough, Jim Dinell and Mike Tait have transitioned to new roles at AllTranstek, LLC, a North American third-party, non-asset-based rail fleet management provider. Also, CSX’s Arthur Adams and Norfolk Southern’s (NS) D’Andrae C. Larry have earned spots on Savoy magazine’s 2022 list of Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America; and the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has appointed two Co-Chairs for its Blue-Ribbon Panel to combat fare and toll evasion.

Outside rendering of the proposed reconstruction of the existing Penn Station in New York City, courtesy of the office of New York Governor Kathy Hochul.

New York State, City Agree on Penn Station Funding Framework

The state and city of New York have agreed on a plan to help cover reconstruction costs and future expansion of Penn Station as well as revitalization of the surrounding area.

U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Ill.) on June 25 reported on Twitter: “This morning I attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly renovated Amtrak platform at the Homewood Station. Commuters in the [Chicago] South Suburbs deserve safe, accessible and well-maintained public transportation, and this project does just that.” (Photograph Courtesy of Rep. Kelly via Twitter)

Transit Briefs: Amtrak, LACMTA, Metrolinx, New York MTA, TransLink

Amtrak has officially completed a $15 million project to bring ADA-compliance to its Homewood, Ill., station. Also, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) Board has approved a new transit ambassador program; Metrolinx is advancing plans to bring GO Train service to Bowmanville, approximately 47 miles east of Toronto; New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and accessibility advocates have reached a class action settlement agreement; New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has signed legislation to protect roughly 11,000 more transit workers against assault and harassment; and Vancouver’s TransLink is developing a transit-oriented development program.

Starting July 29, Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express will extend north to serve Middlebury, Vergennes and Burlington, Vt. (Amtrak/Steve Ostrowski)

Transit Briefs: Amtrak, Stantec/HART, Metrolink, New York MTA, San Diego MTS/NCTD

The Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) has reported that Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express will begin service to Burlington, Vt., next month. Also, Stantec has landed a contract extension for work on Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s (HART) light rail project; Southern California’s Metrolink is rolling out the next phase of its Earthquake Early Warning System; New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has launched an online trip planner for riders considering new Grand Central Madison commutes; and a new San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and North County Transit District (NCTD) program will offer free transit passes for young adults transitioning out of foster care.

Rendering of the proposed reconstruction of the existing Penn Station in New York City, courtesy of the office of New York Governor Kathy Hochul

RFP Released for NY Penn Station Reconstruction

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), Amtrak and New Jersey Transit are requesting proposals from architecture and engineering firms for New York Penn Station reconstruction.

As transgender issues and rights have moved to the forefront over the last few years, CTA has added the Transgender Flag—featuring blue, pink and white—to its train wrap celebrating “Pride Month” (June). (Photograph Courtesy of CTA)

Transit Briefs: CTA, LACMTA, MARTA, NYMTA

Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) Pride Train returned to service this month. Also, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) has earned a Transportation Security Administration award; Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is establishing a farm in DeKalb County, Ga.; and a new group of subway train operators completed training at New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).

(Photo Courtesy of Marc A. Hermann / MTA)

NY-Senate Confirmed: 9 MTA Board Members

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has welcomed six new members and three returning members to the Board following the group’s confirmation by the New York State Senate.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul (center) is joined by MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber and Metro-North President/LIRR interim President Catherine Rinaldi at Grand Central Terminal on May 31, 2022 to announce the branding of “Grand Central Madison.” The major capital construction project, previously known as “East Side Access,” brings LIRR service to Grand Central with a new concourse extending west toward Madison Avenue. (Photograph and Caption Courtesy of Kevin P. Coughlin / Office of Governor Kathy Hochul.)

‘Grand Central Madison’ Nearing Completion

MTA Long Island Rail Road’s (LIRR) $11.1 billion project to bring commuter rail service to Manhattan’s East Side is on track to start later this year. Riders will travel to a new 700,000 square-foot LIRR terminal, which is nearing completion and now called Grand Central Madison, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and MTA officials announced on May 31.

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