Will Penn Station’s much-needed makeover boost commuters – or Trump?

A proposed $8bn renovation of the hub has critics wondering if it’s another example of the US president bolstering his legacy at taxpayers’ expense A proposed $8bn renovation of Penn Station in New York City has sparked questions from local leaders who want improvements to the western hemisphere’s busiest transit hub but wonder what it will look like, who will pay for it and what role Donald Trump will play. The station, which was once considered one of New York City’s most beautiful landmarks, is now seen by many as an ugly infrastructure that is hard to navigate, dark and claustrophobic. But as it faces a much-needed makeover, critics are asking: will this project focus on making commuting easier or primarily become another example of the US president trying to bolster his legacy at taxpayers’ expense? “Too much emphasis has been given to more of the cosmetic issues of the station,” said Rachael Fauss, senior policy adviser for Reinvent Albany, a group that aims to increase government accountability in the state. “For us, the priority should be improving service and safety.” The original Penn Station, which opened in 1910, was described as a beaux-arts masterpie