New York, NY - The following statement can be attributed to Tom Wright, President and CEO, Regional Plan Association

Regional Plan Association applauds Amtrak, NJ Transit, and the other Gateway Program partners for advancing the Penn Expansion project into the design phase. Penn Station Expansion is a critical component of the Gateway Program that we believe is essential to meet future trans-Hudson demand over the coming decades as the region recovers from COVID. Congratulations to the excellent Arup team on being awarded the contract for the work.

We look forward to working with them and all Gateway Program partners to ensure the project will deliver the maximum possible capacity to the regional rail system along with exceptional public benefits to neighborhood residents and travelers alike. The renovation and expansion of Penn Station – alongside the absolutely essential Hudson Tunnel Project – represent a pivotal moment for the region’s transportation system that has the potential to transform the region to become more carbon neutral and economically equitable. We are thrilled to see the Penn Expansion Project move forward.