Amtrak has appointed Andy Byford, a noted figure in high-speed rail, to oversee the reconstruction of Penn Station, marking a significant step in the station's long-awaited modernization. Rail advocates welcome Byford's technical expertise but express concern over potential political challenges that could hinder progress. His understanding of complex transportation issues and prior experience with New York's transit make him a fitting choice. However, Byford's past clashes with local political figures present a potential barrier in navigating the intricate project aimed at transforming the busiest train station in the Western hemisphere.
He has a very clear understanding of what technical problems need to be solved with this project and how to solve them, but the political superstructure is likely to blunt his best qualities.
The White House has sent Byford back to manage the complex redesign of a transportation project that has bedeviled governors, the heads of transit agencies, architects, engineers, and commercial real estate developers.
Fortunately he has plenty of familiarity with the railroad hub. During the Biden administration, Byford opposed Amtrak's initial proposal to acquire and demolish a Midtown block in order to expand the capacity of the railroad station.
He also supports through-running commuter trains between the New Jersey and Long Island suburbs so that trains - an idea that has mixed criticism from transit experts.
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