Westchester Officials Make Case For Hudson Line Penn Station Service

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — Plans are already underway to connect the Metro-North New Haven Line to Penn Station in Manhattan. Now, elected officials in Westchester County are asking the MTA to study connecting the Hudson Line as well.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer called the move a proactive step to address the transportation needs of the region. Latimer made his case in a letter addressed to the Chief Executive Officer of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Janno Lieber, calling for a study to have the Hudson Line have direct "one seat" access to Manhattan's Penn Station.

"The advantages of such a connection are abundant," Latimer wrote in the letter. "Improved transportation links would not only further ease congestion but also foster economic growth, enhance accessibility to job opportunities, and contribute to the overall quality of life for residents in Westchester County, the Bronx and beyond."

Expressing support for the progress made with West Side Access on the New Haven Line, which links Metro-North’s New Haven Line service with four new Bronx Stations into Manhattan’s Penn Station on the West Side, Latimer said it is time for a parallel initiative on the Hudson River side of Metro-North.

According to statistics from the MTA provided in its 2022 overview, the Hudson Line’s ridership rose 56.7 percent from 2021 with approximately 3.6 million more rides. The total annual East of Hudson (Harlem Line, Hudson Line and New Haven Line) ridership was approximately 48 million, approximately 17.9 million more rides than the 30.1 million for 2021. These increased ridership numbers show a serious appetite for greater access to MTA trains, according to the county executive.

Latimer is asking the MTA to undertake a comprehensive study to evaluate the feasibility and potential benefits of establishing West Side Access from Westchester and the Bronx on the Hudson Line to Penn Station. The existing Amtrak line in the corridor presents an opportunity to leverage the infrastructure for the benefit of the communities along the Hudson River, proponents say.

"As the fastest growing big city in New York State and the gateway to the Hudson Valley, Yonkers supports Westchester County’s quest to expand transportation access to the metropolitan area," Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano said. "I commend County Executive Latimer for advocating for our residents and businesses that will result in economic growth and improved quality of life. Together, we can make access to Penn Station a reality."

This feasibility study would also impact residents outside of Westchester County, advocates in Westchester said.

"I strongly support County Executive Latimer's call for Metro North to look into establishing one seat service on the Hudson Line into Penn Station," Dutchess County Legislator and Minority Leader Yvette Valdés Smith said. "As always, I will continue pushing for greater service overall for the sake of our residents, and their wallets."

This initiative aligns with the shared commitment to creating a more integrated and efficient transportation system, particularly in response to the challenges posed by Climate Change, according to those pushing for the study.

"I am confident that the leadership and expertise of the MTA can bring this vision to fruition," Latimer said. "Ensuring that the benefits of improved transportation infrastructure are equitably distributed throughout the region."