MTA Chair Claims Andy Byford is Embracing ‘MAGA’ During Penn Station Project

MTA Chair Janno Lieber accused Andy Byford of fully embracing “MAGA” in his role as the leader of the Penn Station reconstruction for Amtrak. Last year, President Donald Trump took over the Midtown train hub project from the MTA and placed Byford in charge. Byford, who previously led New York City Transit and is affectionately known as “Train Daddy,” has expressed favorable views towards Trump’s leadership.

Lieber’s comments follow Byford’s op-ed in the Daily News, where he claimed the MTA was obstructing progress on the project due to a lack of cooperation. In response to conflicting perspectives, Lieber stated that Amtrak is seeking rights from the MTA regarding the lease of Penn Station. Meanwhile, Byford maintains that the project is on track, with a groundbreaking intended for next year despite the tensions. The anticipated cost for the Penn Station project is $8 billion, though funding has not yet been secured.