Photo: Getty Images
Amtrak's Empire Service, which runs between Albany and New York City, is set to have most of its suspended services restored from December 2nd, just in time for the holiday season. The restoration, announced by New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Amtrak, and the New York State Department of Transportation, will last until March 2nd, 2025. The decision follows a letter sent by Governor Hochul earlier this month, urging Amtrak to take action to minimize disruptions caused by the East River Tunnel Rehabilitation Project.
The Empire Service, which carried over two million passengers in the federal fiscal year 2024, had seen a reduction in service due to the rehabilitation project. The project aims to repair damage caused by Superstorm Sandy in 2012. The restoration will ensure that trains used by more than 98% of Empire Service customers will be in service until major tunnel work begins in the spring.
Amtrak President Roger Harris stated, "As part of our strong collaboration with Gov. Hochul, NYSDOT and others, and in accommodation with other important infrastructure projects in the region, beginning Monday, December 2, our new schedules will ensure that the trains used by more than 98% of customers will be in service until major tunnel work begins."
Amtrak will continue to evaluate the service plan, including additional capacity, to see if there are any new possibilities for making improvements, restoring service, or modifying it based on future developments.