Reinstatement of Empire Service Line

Amtrak’s popular Empire Service line will be back in operation starting next week. This restoration comes just in time for the bustling holiday travel season, allowing New Yorkers enhanced access to the Hudson Valley and beyond. The service, which connects New York City with Niagara Falls, was temporarily reduced last month due to the ongoing rehabilitation efforts of underwater tunnels that suffered damage from Superstorm Sandy in 2012.

Government Intervention

After receiving a letter from New York’s Governor, Kathy Hochul, Amtrak has agreed to fully restore operations on this vital route until the significant tunnel work commences in spring. Amtrak’s president, Roger Harris, highlighted that this important infrastructure improvement project entails a $1.6 billion investment to enhance service reliability throughout New York State and the Northeast Corridor. He assured that the revised schedules would keep train service continuous for over 98% of commuters until major work begins.

Additional Train Services

As of December 2, Amtrak will not only restore the Empire Service trains but also add extra cars to several trains along this line. Furthermore, the Adirondack and Maple Leaf trains will be operated separately between New York City and Albany. Governor Hochul emphasized the significance of ensuring reliable train travel in this corridor, stating that these service restorations represent a considerable victory for passengers who rely on the Empire Service. Amtrak has displayed commendable responsiveness in minimizing disruptions associated with the East River tunnel rehabilitation project.