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Trump’s Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Announces Andy Byford as Special Advisor to the Amtrak Board of Directors

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Byford will help oversee the Big, Beautiful redevelopment of New York Penn Station

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump, Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy announced today the appointment of Andy Byford as Special Advisor to the Amtrak Board of Directors for the redevelopment of New York Penn Station. In this role, Byford will report directly to the Amtrak directors and coordinate closely with the Department of Transportation (USDOT) as he oversees the Penn Station project through a master developer public-private partnership. This approach will minimize risks and maximize results, so Amtrak and USDOT can deliver a world-class Penn Station that commuters, travelers, and tourists deserve. 

Byford is a seasoned transportation professional who has extensive experience with major metropolitan public transportation systems in New York City, Toronto, London, and Sydney. He has been with Amtrak for a few years in a Senior Vice President role, and he now assumes a key leadership position. The redevelopment project aligns closely with President Trump’s agenda to build big, build beautiful, and build efficiently. 

“Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, America is building again,” said U.S Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “We’re thrilled to have Andy oversee the redevelopment and modernization of this vital transit hub. Andy shares our dedication to keeping costs down and completing this project on time. Together we’ll work to deliver a brand-new Penn Station that is safe, clean, and worthy of the American people.”

“Consistent with President Trump’s leadership and savvy approach to real estate, we’re ensuring accountability for critical infrastructure projects,” said Deputy Transportation Secretary Steven Bradbury. “By vesting responsibility with Amtrak Board Special Advisor Andy Byford, USDOT is setting the stage for a transformational public-private investment which will revitalize Penn Station as a spectacular, safe, and reliable passenger rail gateway.”

Last month, Secretary Duffy announced that the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) would protect American taxpayers by withdrawing the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) from leading the Penn Station project in New York City. Instead, Amtrak, backed by USDOT, will lead this critical infrastructure initiative, now with Byford at the helm.

Byford will tirelessly pursue the Trump Administration’s goals in the redevelopment of New York Penn Station to:

  • Renovate and modernize the station
  • Increase concourse capacity and access
  • Enable safer and more efficient station operations
  • Accommodate passenger service growth
  • Deliver a world-class experience for users