MTA to buy Grand Central Terminal from private company for $35 million

The NY MTA plans to finalize the purchase on Thursday following a vote by the board.

General view of the Grand Central Terminal in New York City.
Credit: Getty Images/Michael Brochstein

By Sarah Luoma, Metro

The New York MTA is in the midst of brokering a deal to buy Grand Central Terminal as well as the Metro-North Harlem and Hudson Line for $35 million. Both are owned by private companies.

The plan was approved by the MTA’s finance board this week with the hope of finalizing the sale on Thursday following a full board vote, according to the NY Post.

“This was a no-brainer, from a financial standpoint,” said MTA Chief Development Officer Janno Lieber.

“This transaction secures for the MTA control over development rights along the Harlem Line and Hudson Line, which will allow us to help local jurisdictions implement high quality Transit Oriented Development for generations to come.”

The MTA to gain complete control of Grand Central Terminal

Purchasing the building will allow the MTA to have complete control over the property as well as the East Side Access terminal being built beneath Grand Central Terminal.

“This marks a new chapter in the railroad’s history and eliminates a quirk that had lingered quietly in the background as Metro-North has established itself,” said Catherine Rinaldi, President of Metro-North Railroad.

“By becoming the true owners of the infrastructure that we have long maintained on behalf of the people of New York, we are asserting Metro-North’s permanence as an institution dedicated to public service.”

The New York MTA’s decision to purchase would end its 280-year lease of Grand Central Terminal that sees 750,000 visitors daily.