Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Municipal Art Society of New York

Does the U.S. Have a “Third World Transportation System”?

Funding shortfalls and logistical hurdles may be delaying plans to replace Penn Station, but the Municipal Art Society's campaign for Moynihan Station is not letting up. The MAS has been on a roll this spring, hosting a series of events related to the West Side project. This video, posted yesterday, features former Washington Post reporter Don Phillips and Metro-North
lawyer Walter Zullig, Jr. discussing the project within the context of the national and regional rail networks. From the MAS recap:

Phillips provided a global overview of the transportation crisis anddiscussed how Europe, Asia, and even Mexico are placing massiveinvestments in their infrastructure. France, for instance, is buildingrail tunnels “like crazy” for trains that, in some cases, will becarrying trucks. Iran is on a rail building boom. And Mexico isbuilding a huge new port and rail network to compete with the Port ofLos Angeles.

But “we have no vision at all,” said Phillips. “All we can say now is no new taxes.”

Rail enthusiasts jonesing for pictures of gorgeous new stations will get their fix in the first part of the video, which shows some recently completed projects -- in Europe, of course. If the Port Authority takes over the Moynihan Station project, might New York finally get a palatial new station of its own?

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Mamdani’s Free Buses Plan Faces ‘Uphill Battle’ in Albany

The fight over free buses could be an early barometer of Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and Gov. Hochul's ability to compromise.

December 16, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines: The Public Realm Edition

Renewed calls for a Deputy Mayor for the Public Realm. Plus other news.

December 16, 2025

Boston’s New ‘CharlieCard’ Raises Privacy Issues in an Age of High-Tech Tracking

The new CharlieCard provides several benefits, but riders should also be aware of the military vendor that's operating the new system.

December 15, 2025

Delay By Design: ‘Major Transportation’ Law Still Gums Up Street Safety Projects

A law from the 2000s bikelash still makes it harder to make streets safer.

December 15, 2025

State Pol’s ‘Manhattan Safety Plan’ Emphasizes Daylighting and Protecting Bike Lanes

A new safety plan from State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez puts the streets front and center.

December 15, 2025
See all posts