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Starting today (November 11), Amtrak is reducing its train services between Albany and New York City due to rehabilitation work on the East River tunnels. The construction, part of a $1.6 billion project, will affect three daily round trips on the popular Empire Service route, which connects New York’s Penn Station with Albany-Rensselaer and includes stops in the Hudson Valley.
The changes will last for approximately two-and-a-half to three years, as workers repair tunnels damaged by Superstorm Sandy in 2012. The affected trains include a 3:15 p.m. departure from New York City and a 5:10 a.m. departure from Albany, among others. Amtrak aims to preserve 80% of the line’s service during this period.
State lawmakers and passenger groups have expressed concerns about the impact on riders, urging Amtrak to add cars to remaining trains to accommodate increased demand. Amtrak spokesman Jason Abrams stated that the changes were made in collaboration with the New York State Department of Transportation to minimize disruptions.
Despite these efforts, some passengers are frustrated by the reduced service. Tim Ford, a passenger at the Rensselaer rail station, said to WNYT, "You’re taking something that’s very manageable for the common person. It’s a lose-lose situation." Amtrak has also announced that it will combine the Adirondack and Maple Leaf trains between Albany and New York City to further manage the service reductions.
For updated schedules and more information, passengers are encouraged to visit Amtrak's website or use the Amtrak mobile app.