The study, released by the Federal Railroad Administration, recommends a series of infrastructure changes that could boost Penn Station's capacity to as many as 32 trains per hour during the morning rush and 30 trains per hour during the evening commute.
Among the proposed improvements are extensions of multiple platforms, as well as the addition of new stairways and escalators designed to make it easier for passengers to access trains and move through the station. The report also estimates some of the changes could reduce the amount of time trains spend inside the station.
The recommendations could become part of a sweeping Penn Station redevelopment project scheduled to begin before the end of next year. The U.S. Department of Transportation has already committed $200 million toward the effort.
Plans for the modernization include a new Penn Station entrance on Eighth Avenue and a reconfigured station layout aimed at improving the commuter experience and addressing chronic crowding.
Construction on the $8 billion redesign is expected to begin by the end of next year and be completed by 2034.
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