According to a report by NBC News, the nearly $800 million plan to expand the Metro-North from the Bronx into Penn Station will finally move forward.
The plan to extend Metro-North service from the Bronx and into Penn Station was approved by the MTA nearly four years ago but progress has been halted due to conflicts with Amtrak. Yesterday, MTA officials announced that the plan will officially begin to move forward.
The new Metro-North stops will be located at Co-op City, Morris Park, Parkchester/ Van Nest and Hunts Point and bring the passengers directly into Midtown via Penn Station. Up until now, the most popular form of transport from the Bronx into Midtown has been the local 6 train.
In a statement the Executive Vice President of Amtrak, Stephen Gardner explained, “We are pleased to have reached a preliminary agreement that will allow for MTA to advance for design and construction of improvements on Amtrak’s Hell Gate Line, for the eventual operation of new Metro-North commuter rail service into New York Penn Station and construction of four new stations along the line.”
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr responded by saying, “Amtrak’s willingness to negotiate with the MTA will put the East Bronx Metro-North expansion back on schedule and bring us one step closer to expanded commuter rail options in the communities that need them the most.”
If all moves forward smoothly, service to and from the new Bronx stations should begin in late 2022.
Featured image: @bebo2good1 via Instagram