Editor’s note: Train Daddy’s return ‘beyond’ exciting

I recently wrote an editor’s note on how Penn Station advocates were hoping Andy “Train Daddy” Byford would take the lead on the transit hub’s redevelopment. Then, on May 23, it was reported that Byford, already working at Amtrak, which is overseeing the redevelopment, was chosen to head the project. The Trump administration got the message about Byford’s qualifications. He had been working on the rollout of Amtrak’s next generation of high-speed trains after leaving his post as commissioner of transport for London. Byford earned his Train Daddy nickname while working as president of New York City Transit. His style of leadership made him the darling of straphangers during his tenure. Unfortunately he was not as popular with then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who was blamed for having a tense relationship with Byford and driving him out of the position by micromanaging him.

Byford’s return has thrilled advocates who want to see a bold vision for Penn’s redevelopment that hearkens back to the station’s original above-ground design. Sam Turvey, the chair of Rethink Penn Station NYC who will appear on a panel at City & State’s upcoming Rebuilding New York Summit, said he was hoping Byford will reimagine the project and include a through-running track redesign. Such a major change would allow trains to continue on after passing through Penn, rather than ending there. Turvey said he was “beyond excited” by Byford’s return. “I think Andy will bring his years of success as a change agent and effective leader of large transit organizations – most that utilize a through-running operating model,” he said. Byford has yet to speak publicly about his plans for Penn. Until he does, expectations are running high for Train Daddy.