Andy ‘Train Daddy’ Byford
To Head Penn Station Redo
NEW YORK—There was widespread support from state officials and the MTA to welcome the recent selection of Amtrak’s Andy Byford to lead the multi-billion-dollar redevelopment of Penn Station in Manhattan.
The White House confirmed Mr. Byford’s appointment on May 23. Earlier in his career when he was president of the New York City Transit Authority, subway riders affectionately nicknamed him “Train Daddy.”
The British transportation executive has since 2023 served as executive vice president in charge of high-speed at Amtrak, which must confirm his appointment. Last month, US Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the federal government would be taking over the massive Penn Station redevelopment project from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
From 2018-2020, Mr. Byford was president of the New York City Transit Authority. His career has also included executive positions with the Toronto Transit Commission, Transport for London and Sydney’s RailCorp.
“Just this past Sunday morning, I spoke with President Trump about the path forward for Penn Station and he invited me to bring plans to the White House for review. I’m very pleased to be working with the newly-appointed Andy Byford, who has a distinguished career in transit and infrastructure, and hope he is able to use these skills to deliver a beautiful, on-time, federally funded Penn Station renovation that New Yorkers can be proud of,” New York Gov. Kathy Hochul stated. “As I said weeks ago, I am grateful to see the federal government taking full control over Penn Station renovations—allowing us to redeploy $1.2 billion in state funds that had previously been allocated toward this project.”
John J. McCarthy, the MTA’s chief, policy and external relations officials, said in a statement: “This is good news. Gov. Hochul has welcomed the Trump Administration’s decision to step up and make good on its commitment to advance and finance this project. We look forward to working with Andy Byford, who understands the importance of mass transit and was a strong supporter throughout our battle to implement congestion pricing in New York.”
Published: May 28, 2025