Moynihan Train Hall Video

Very Grand Central ish. Too bad they had to tear down the old Penn years ago.

I used the Eighth Avenue LIRR entrance many times because I wanted to ride on the west end of the train going home.  It was easier to access from the new terminal then through Penn.

Stuart

A welcome bit of news at the end of a tough year. I've read that Amtrak and the LIRR will be using it, but I haven't seen any mention of NJ Transit. Do we know if they are stuck in the old building? That is what I ride when I go by train to NYC.

You NJT guys are lucky!  You'll have much more space to spread out in the old Penn Station, AND be a block closer to everything... including the subways!

Jon

@KOOLjock1 posted:

You NJT guys are lucky!  You'll have much more space to spread out in the old Penn Station, AND be a block closer to everything... including the subways!

Jon

That's what I thought. I guess I'll have to visit it as a tourist.

Hi Kooljock1 and friends,

I had an opportunity to visit New York City this past week for business reasons, my first trip, for any reason, since COVID hit.  I am fully vaccinated and so is my son who lives in Brooklyn.  I had not seen him since Christmas 2019, so it was a double bonus.  Of course, the Moynihan Train hall was on the top of the list to places to visit,  especially so because its free and was open. The place is spectacular!  Well worth a visit.   Below are scans of the brochure.    The place is massive, so did not see much of it. 

Below, is the former post office, there is some work going on there.

The Train hall is below.

A panoramic shot is below.

We took our masks down for a selfie

Another shot below  that captures the clock in the background.  I wish I had taken a better picture.

We went down to one of the train platforms, 

I normally fly to New York via the Newark Airport,  its very easy and inexpensive to get into the City using the "Airtrain" from the Newark airport to Penn Station, so that always gave me a reason to visit Penn Station. 

The City is starting to open up,  I saw many police officers around Times Square and took the time to say "thanks" to a few of them. I did not see that many people around Time Square The restaurants are opening up, but the hours may be shortened.  I had three meals out, including an extended lunch in Little Italy. A few of the streets were closed to cars, so the restaurants could open up out door seating areas.   

The City is not going to get many overseas visitors due to travel restrictions, so this may be perfect to visit. 

Best, Dave

@Former Member

I think I need to get in. It's been well over a year. Did you get to any museums/galleries? That would be my agenda, but if I take Jersey Transit in, I will walk over to the new train hall.

Being there myself a few days ago, it is indeed a nice, clean station. The new food court has yet to open. The very large and modern Amtrak First Class lounge occupies the mezzanine and overlooks the grand hall. Compared to pre-pandemic times, there are not that many travelers passing through the station. On the 22nd of this month, AMTRAK is stopping the practice of social distancing by unblocking all seats on the Northeast corridor trains; i.e., all seats will now be available to reserve. Unfortunately several neighborhoods in New York City have seen better days.

@Will posted:

@Former Member

I think I need to get in. It's been well over a year. Did you get to any museums/galleries? That would be my agenda, but if I take Jersey Transit in, I will walk over to the new train hall.

Hi Will,

I did check the hours for the Museum of Natural History, they are open and accept reservations, but it did not fit into my limited schedule. The reservations probably help control the crowds.  I can't wait to go again!

@Bruce Brown posted:

Being there myself a few days ago, it is indeed a nice, clean station. The new food court has yet to open. The very large and modern Amtrak First Class lounge occupies the mezzanine and overlooks the grand hall. Compared to pre-pandemic times, there are not that many travelers passing through the station. On the 22nd of this month, AMTRAK is stopping the practice of social distancing by unblocking all seats on the Northeast corridor trains; i.e., all seats will now be available to reserve. Unfortunately several neighborhoods in New York City have seen better days.

Hi Bruce,  Thanks for the extra details!

Hi Dave,

Thanks for your NYC pictures. The station looks great and glad you got to spend time with your son. Seems like things are on the "right track" in terms of re-opening.

Broadway opens in the fall and my wife bought tickets to three, yes three, shows in October and November. Doing her part I'd say.

I am taking the Lake Shore to Chicago in July, so Ill use the Amtrak lounge. I will give a full report. This is my 50th birthday trip, a weekend of train watching in Chicago!! I have a roomette, I dont like that the new sleepers dont have their own bathroom, so I may upgrade...