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November 24, 2024

Amtrak Restores Hudson Valley Service Effective December 2, 2024

ESPA scores a BIG win and demonstrates that public advocacy works!

On Friday, November 22, in a joint statement was issued by NYS Governor Kathy Hochul and Amtrak, in which it was announced:

"Governor Kathy Hochul, Amtrak and the New York State Department of Transportation today announced a restoration of Amtrak’s Empire Service that will aid passengers during the upcoming holiday and winter travel seasons. Following a letter sent by Governor Hochul and others earlier this month urging Amtrak to take action, the railroad — in consultation with the New York State Department of Transportation — has agreed to restore nearly all of the trains that had been temporarily suspended in previously announced service modifications. Additionally, Amtrak has agreed to add additional cars to other Empire Service trains in order to further mitigate the disruption to passengers."

The details include:

  • The Adirondack and Maple Leaf will again operate as separate trains between New York City and Albany and allow for reduced wait times in Albany for Upstate customers.
  • Trains 235 and 238 will be restored.
  • Amtrak will add a fifth train car to the following trains: 233, 234, 235, 238, 244 and 245.

The restoration leaves just one daily round trip suspended from the pre-November 11, 2024 schedule. The restored services wil operate through at least March 2, 2025.

Since the initial service reductions were released, ESPA lead the way on the informing the media, state legislators and federal representatives about the drastic cuts being planned. Extensive state-wide press coverage alerted the public to the plans, which placed pressure on elected officials to act on behalf of the state's rail passengers.

It is evident that the November 13th letter from Governor Hochul to Amtrak's senior leadership, calling on them "to reconsider the cuts and explore a series of viable alternatives to ease the disruption." was a pivitol moment in this crisis.

ESPA applauds and thanks Governor Hochul for her leadership to have the majority of the service restored.