Yonkers Insider: US Congressman George Latimer 16th District: Rep. Latimer, Local Electeds Push Amtrak on Bronx Metro North Station Delay.

 

Rep. Latimer, Local Electeds Push Amtrak on Bronx Metro North Station Delay.

WHITE PLAINS, NY – Today Congressman George Latimer (NY-16) announced that he is pushing Amtrak for answers after it was reported yesterday that the four new Bronx Metro North stations will not be opened until 2028 at the earliest. The project will extend Metro North access to Penn Station. This is the third time this project has been delayed since breaking ground in 2022.

“This is an incredibly frustrating setback for many of my constituents who will greatly benefit from access to these stations. East side Metro North access will cut work commutes, open up new job opportunities, and increase economic development in the Bronx,” said Rep. Latimer. “Many of us who commute on Amtrak through Penn Station understand these benefits and how a new world would open up if Metro North ran to Penn Station. This project needs to get done.”

In the letter Rep. Latimer sent to Amtrak, he requests additional information for yet another delay to this critical project and what it will mean for the project’s future. When the project broke ground in 2022, Amtrak contributed $500 million to the project while also committing to pay delay costs if Amtrak was unable to meet its labor and outage commitments. In the letter Rep. Latimer cites that President Trump’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026 cuts Amtrak’s budget by 25%, so any subsequent delay could have compounding consequences for the future of this project.

“I thank Congressman Latimer for his focus on this critical issue. The Penn Station Access project is one of the most transformational infrastructure investments our region has seen in decades. Residents along Westchester’s Sound Shore have waited far too long for equitable, efficient transit access. This delay is deeply disappointing, and I urge all partners—especially Amtrak and the MTA—to work together to accelerate the timeline. Establishing a one-seat ride into Penn Station is essential. The economic opportunity, improved healthcare access, and enhanced quality of life this project promises are simply too important to delay any further,” said Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins.

“Any derailments to the Metro-North Penn Access Project is absolutely unacceptable and cause for concern. This plan is a once-in-a-generation investment that will finally deliver the transit access, good-paying union jobs, and economic growth the East Bronx has been denied for far too long. The families of the East Bronx don’t just want this, they have waited long enough, and they deserve nothing less than all of us working together to move this project forward without further setbacks,” Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson.

"The delay of the Penn Station Access Project hampers equity, opportunity, and long-overdue investment in the East Bronx. Every delay deprives our communities of shorter commutes, access to good-paying jobs, and critical regional connections. The people of the Bronx have waited long enough. It is time for all stakeholders to treat this project with the urgency it deserves and deliver on the promises that were made," said State Senator Nathalia Fernandez.

"We represent several communities that are classified as ‘transportation deserts’, our constituents have some of the highest commute times in the City of New York, and they have been waiting for over a decade for these needed Metro-North stops to be constructed in the East Bronx. We need Amtrak to recognize these factors, and to immediately come to the table and work with the MTA and Metro North Railroad in a productive manner to reduce unneeded delays to this project," said Assemblyman Michael Benedetto.

“The continued delays to the Bronx Metro North stations are unacceptable. Our communities deserve reliable, timely access to public transportation that connects them to opportunity—not broken promises,” said Council Member Kevin C. Riley. “Expanding Metro North access in the Bronx is not just a transit issue, it’s a matter of economic and social equity. We stand with Congressman Latimer in calling for accountability and urgency from Amtrak to deliver the infrastructure our residents were promised,” Councilman Kevin Riley.

“Many New Rochelle residents commute on Metro North and will benefit from direct access to Penn Station. Each delay means lost time at work or with their families. I urge Amtrak and the MTA to work together to expedite the work needed and get this project back on track,” said New Rochelle Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert.