Amtrak cuts service between Albany and New York City

Travelers between Albany and New York City are waking up to fewer train options and longer wait times today, as Amtrak implements service reductions tied to critical tunnel rehabilitation work in New York City.

Two daily roundtrips have been removed from the Empire Corridor schedule, cutting service by nearly 23 percent compared to last fall. Amtrak states that the reductions are necessary to facilitate repairs in the East River Tunnel. However, passenger advocates argue the cuts are hitting the Hudson Valley especially hard.

Groups like the Empire State Passengers Association (ESPA) say the Hudson Valley is bearing a disproportionate share of the impact. They are calling on Amtrak and state leaders to step up mitigation efforts, such as operating separate weekend services for long-distance trains and reallocating extra train cars to crowded routes.

Meanwhile, riders on the Adirondack and Maple Leaf lines will face extended layovers of up to 95 minutes in Rensselaer due to combined train operations between Albany and New York City.

Amtrak has added extra cars to some trains to ease overcrowding, but ESPA says those efforts fall short of addressing the issue. With frequent sellouts already common along the corridor, advocates warn the situation could worsen without further action.

For now, riders are advised to check the updated schedules, plan, and be prepared for potential delays.