One of the things the NYC region could do is unify operations and planning of NJ transit, LIRR, and Metro North into one through running network with a tunnel from GCT south with two more Manhattan stops then across the Hudson to another main station where the Hoboken terminal is (a bit more inland likely). Overtime the systems and fleets can merge.
Instead you get this absurd patchwork of expensive stand alone projects, ARC, the huge building over of of a cap on the LIRR Hudson railyards which required maybe a billion in spending. Talks about a new Penn Station. Etc.
As a plus you reduce the demand on the existing Penn tunnels used by Amtrak.
If this had all be planned as one system the money already spent or being proposed to be spent on these disparate/disconnected things could provide do wonders.
Instead you get this absurd patchwork of expensive stand alone projects, ARC, the huge building over of of a cap on the LIRR Hudson railyards which required maybe a billion in spending. Talks about a new Penn Station. Etc.
As a plus you reduce the demand on the existing Penn tunnels used by Amtrak.
If this had all be planned as one system the money already spent or being proposed to be spent on these disparate/disconnected things could provide do wonders.