"We are pleased to have reached an agreement that will allow for the MTA to advance with design and construction of improvements related to the Penn Station Access project, the eventual operation of new Metro-North commuter rail service into New York Penn Station and construction of four new commuter rail stations in the Bronx," said Stephen Gardner, Amtrak senior executive vice president. (Wikipedia photo)

The Amtrak Board of Directors has approved an agreement with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to advance two key proposed initiatives: Metro-North commuter rail service to and from New York Penn Station and Amtrak intercity passenger rail service to and from Long Island.

"We are pleased to have reached an agreement that will allow for the MTA to advance with design and construction of improvements related to the Penn Station Access project, the eventual operation of new Metro-North commuter rail service into New York Penn Station and construction of four new commuter rail stations in the Bronx," said Stephen Gardner, Amtrak senior executive vice president. "We also are looking forward to working together on advancing direct Amtrak service to and from key population centers on Long Island. We appreciate the support we received from Senator Schumer and Governor Cuomo in reaching this agreement."

The agreement will allow the parties to continue their joint commitment to the Penn Station Access project, which will include advancing the design and eventual construction of additional infrastructure on the Hell Gate Line. These improvements are essential in enabling Metro-North service between New York Penn Station, the Bronx and Southwestern Connecticut.

The Penn Station Access project includes upgrading the right-of-way with new tracks, switches and station platforms, as well as power, signal, communication and infrastructure modifications needed to allow new commuter rail service. The MTA will fund all costs of this infrastructure investment and has also agreed to share in the future costs of operation, maintenance and recapitalization of this line.

Additionally, Amtrak and the MTA will begin planning for the eventual operation of Amtrak direct intercity service between Long Island and New York Penn Station. This access will allow for through and connecting service from Long Island to other Amtrak destinations throughout the region, the Northeast Corridor and the Nation.

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