METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

New York MTA Unveils Public-Private Plan to Rebuild Grand Central Train Shed

Two public-private partnerships will accelerate reconstruction of the Grand Central Train Shed, a critical yet aging piece of agency infrastructure.

December 17, 2025
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber stands at a podium in front of a crowd outside the JPMorganChase building.

MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber and MTA Construction & Development President Jamie Torres-Springer announce partnerships with JPMorganChase and Vornado to make necessary repairs to the Grand Central Terminal Train Shed.

Photo: Marc A. Hermann/MTA

2 min to read


The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), JPMorganChase, and Vornado recently announced the advancement of two major public-private partnerships to rebuild the Grand Central Train Shed, kicking off a portion of the 2025-2029 MTA Capital Plan.

The Grand Central Train Shed is the structure below Park Ave from 42nd Street to 57th Street, where trains entering the terminal are sorted to passenger platforms.

Ad Loading...

According to an agency release, 98% of Metro-North trains transit the Train Shed on a daily basis. Decades of water, chemical, and salt infiltration from streets above have significantly deteriorated the concrete and steel beams that support Park Avenue and the real estate above the MTA’s infrastructure.

“The Grand Central Train Shed might be the most important piece of MTA infrastructure you’ve never heard of, and it’s been slowly deteriorating for decades,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “This partnership is rebuilding and restoring this essential infrastructure on a faster timeline and at a lower cost to the public – a win for all involved.”

Image of a rail tunnel in the Grand Central Train Shed.

According to the MTA, 98% of Metro-North trains transit the Train Shed on a daily basis.

Photo: Marc A. Hermann/MTA

Sector 2 Train Shed Rebuild Moves Forward

This announcement builds on the public-private partnership between MTA and JPMorganChase, which saw Sector 1 of the Trainshed reconstructed in conjunction with JPMC’s reconstructed headquarters at 270 Park Avenue.

“New York City has been our home for more than 225 years, and JPMorganChase is proud to help strengthen the infrastructure that supports the Midtown community and to improve the public realm,” said David Beck, chief administrative officer at JPMorganChase.

Continuing the partnership, JPMorganChase will now manage the reconstruction of Sector 2 (East 46th Street to East 50th Street) of the Train Shed and contribute $50 million to support the work.

Ad Loading...
Image of a deteriorating beams in the Grand Central Train Shed.

Decades of water, chemical, and salt infiltration from streets above have significantly deteriorated the Train Shed's concrete and steel beams.

Photo: Marc A. Hermann/MTA

Vornado Joins MTA to Lead Sector 3 Train Shed Upgrades

In a new public-private partnership, Vornado will play a similar role for Sector 3 of the Train Shed work, running from East 50th Street to East 53rd Street.

This work will be undertaken in coordination with Vornado Realty Trust, Ken Griffin, and Rudin’s reconstruction of 350 Park Avenue, which received rezoning approval earlier this year and is expected to enter construction starting in 2026. For its part, the 350 Park Avenue project will be contributing $25 million in addition to Vornado managing day-to-day construction activities similar to JPMorganChase.

"Our partnership with the MTA on this essential rebuilding of the Grand Central Train Shed underscores the impact of innovative public-private partnerships and will benefit the entire regional economy,” said Barry Langer, executive vice president of Vornado Realty Trust. “We're grateful to the MTA for our partnership and look forward to continuing our work with them as construction of 350 Park gets underway next year."

More Rail

A photo of an Amtrak train with a logo
Managementby Alex RomanJuly 24, 2026

Biz Briefs: STV teams with Amtrak, Motorcoach Operators Boost Fleet and Land Contracts, and More

From manufacturers and suppliers to transit agencies and motorcoach operators, these updates offer a snapshot of the projects, partnerships and business moves driving the industry forward.

Read More →
Metra Electric Line Vehicles
Railby Staff and News ReportsJuly 24, 2026

Metra Celebrates 100 Years of Electric Rail, Looks to the Future

The event was also a celebration of recent reforms to public transportation in the Chicago area, changes that could be as transformative in the future as the major civic achievement a century ago, said officials.

Read More →
LA Metro at State of the Agency event.
Managementby Alex RomanJuly 23, 2026

LA Metro Marks Banner Year, Sets Ambitious Goals for New Fiscal Year

Incoming LA Metro Board Chair and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass joined outgoing Board Chair Fernando Dutra and LA Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins to review accomplishments from fiscal year 2026, which included the opening of new rail extensions, advancement of major transit projects, expanded safety programs, and new rider amenities.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Nathaniel P. Ford Sr., named President/CEO at DART
Managementby Alex RomanJuly 22, 2026

DART Taps Nathaniel P. Ford Sr. as Next President/CEO

Since 2012, Ford has served as the CEO of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority

Read More →
California High Speed Rail in High Desert Corridor
Railby Alex RomanJuly 21, 2026

California High-Speed Rail Authority Signs MOU to Advance High Desert Corridor

The agreement deepens collaboration between the California High-Speed Rail Authority and the High Desert Corridor Joint Powers Agency, supporting design integration, cost savings, and faster delivery of a key Southern California rail link.

Read More →
TechnologyJuly 20, 2026

Building the Next Generation of Transit Technology

In this edition of METROspectives, Luminator CEO Magnus Friberg discusses the company's transformation, the growing role of AI and software, and what's next for transit technology.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
What Transit Agencies Get Wrong About Data METROspectives episode with strada360's Steve Lassey
Sponsoredby Alex RomanJuly 20, 2026

How Data, Strategy, and Community Engagement Are Reshaping Transit

In this edition of METROspectives, strada360 CEO Steve Lassey discusses how transit agencies can better align planning with operations, leverage data to improve decision-making, and build public trust as they prepare for the future of mobility.

Read More →
TTC streetcar on tracks

TTC Launches Camera Pilot to Curb Illegal Passing of Streetcars

During the pilot, the cameras will measure how often illegal streetcar passing occurs and test the technology's reliability for future automated enforcement.

Read More →
An NJ TRANSIT River Line light rail vehicle.
Managementby Staff and News ReportsJuly 17, 2026

NJ TRANSIT Secures Capital Funding, Adopts FY2027 Budget

The budgets continue investments in infrastructure and equipment to maintain the system in a state of good repair and enhance the overall customer experience.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A rider validating a tap payment on a Masabi validator.
Technologyby Staff and News ReportsJuly 17, 2026

Biz Briefs: Masabi Teams with St. Louis Metro and More

In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at recent news from Transdev, Hitachi, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.

Read More →