US News

Next stop: Penn Sta.

Metro-North may be pulling into Penn Station ahead of schedule.

Railroad officials said they’ve qualified for faster federal government approval of a massive plan that would allow two lines to bring passengers into Penn Station.

Metro-North will be able to submit a less extensive environmental study than previously anticipated, which would expedite the project.

Officials noted that no new tracks would have to be laid to bring riders along the Hudson and New Haven lines to the West Side of Manhattan because they already exist and are used by Amtrak.

The railroad needs federal approval for funds to buy new trains.

If the plan is approved, two new stations may be added on the Upper West Side and at 125th Street in Harlem and three more at Co-op City, Parkchester and Hunts Point in The Bronx.