Westchester County Executive George Latimer is taking proactive steps to address the transportation needs of the region, as outlined in a letter addressed to Chief Executive Officer of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Janno Lieber, Latimer is calling for a study to have the Hudson Line have direct one seat access to Manhattan’s Penn Station.
In his letter, Latimer said: “The advantages of such a connection are abundant. 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 his continued 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% 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.
Latimer wants 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 a strategic opportunity to leverage the infrastructure
for the benefit of the communities along the Hudson River.
Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano said: “As the fastest growing big city in New York State and the gateway to the Hudson Valley, Yonkers support Westchester
County’s quest to expand transportation access to the metropolitan area. 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.”
Yonkers City Councilwoman and Majority Leader Tasha Diaz said: “As the Majority leader and Councilwoman representing a large portion of the West side
of Yonkers it is imperative that we make it easier for people to commute by public transportation. Yonkers would greatly benefit by having direct access
to Penn Station. Access to public transportation should be efficient and easily accessible for the residents of Yonkers. The MTA must do their job in growing
public transportation initiatives throughout Westchester.” Westchester County Legislator Shanae Williams said: “I support County Executive Latimer and all my colleagues in government in calling on the MTA to conduct a study for the Hudson Line to have direct one seat access to Manhattan PennStation.”
