On August 27, 2023, the Transportation Department announced plans to reclaim management of Washington Union Station, one of the largest rail hubs in the United States. This move is part of President Donald Trump's initiative to increase the federal government's involvement in what he describes as a deteriorating capital city. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized the need for improved management, stating, “We believe we can manage the property better.”
Duffy highlighted the department's commitment to making substantial investments aimed at enhancing the station's condition. He noted the importance of maintaining a clean environment and addressing issues related to homelessness in and around Union Station. This revitalization effort signifies a broader strategy to restore the station's former glory and functionality.
The plan to reclaim control of Union Station comes in the wake of President Trump's recent deployment of hundreds of National Guard troops to Washington. This decision followed his controversial move to take control of the local police department, which faced pushback from local leaders. In March, the Trump administration also forced the resignation of Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner, further illustrating the administration's assertive stance on transportation management.
Secretary Duffy clarified that the initiative to manage Union Station is not merely a power grab. Instead, he expressed a desire to attract new tenants and generate revenue that would facilitate the station's much-needed overhaul. Formal action to confirm the department's renewed control of Union Station is expected to take place next month.
Washington Union Station, a stunning example of Beaux-Arts architecture, first opened its doors in 1907. Although it is federally owned, the station has been managed by a non-profit organization in collaboration with Amtrak. Unfortunately, the station has been plagued with billions of dollars in pending maintenance issues, including the need for repairs to tracks, parking facilities, and more. Additionally, it has faced challenges related to crime and homelessness, notably an incident involving a murder in a parking garage this past February.
Since mid-August, National Guard troops have been stationed in Washington, including at Union Station. Vice President JD Vance visited the soldiers last week, highlighting the ongoing federal commitment to security in the area. In November, the Biden administration provided a $24 million grant aimed at supporting improvements at the station.
Deputy Transportation Secretary Steve Bradbury announced that the previously proposed $10 billion redevelopment plan for Union Station, initiated during the Biden administration, will be scrapped in favor of a new strategy. Duffy mentioned that the department is currently renegotiating a cooperative agreement with the non-profit Union Station Redevelopment Corporation and Amtrak to determine the best path forward for the station's future.
In a related development, Amtrak recently launched new high-speed Acela trains on the Northeast Corridor, connecting Boston to Washington. This route is the busiest in the U.S., with approximately 800,000 daily trips in an economically vital region representing 20% of the nation's economy. The new Acela trains can reach speeds of up to 160 mph (260 kph), which is an increase of 10 mph over previous models. However, they will initially operate at these higher speeds only on specific sections of the track until further upgrades are completed.
Additionally, in April, the Transportation Department announced it would withdraw the Metropolitan Transportation Authority from leading the Penn Station Reconstruction Project in New York City. Instead, Amtrak, with the backing of the department, will take charge of overseeing this critical midtown Manhattan project.
Secretary Duffy reiterated the department's commitment to providing appropriate funding for Amtrak, which recently set a new record for passenger numbers in the last year. This support aims to ensure that Amtrak continues to improve its services and expand its reach across the country, solidifying its role in the U.S. transportation landscape.
