Metro-North Service Between Grand Central Terminal and Albany-Rensselaer Station To Launch in Spring 2026
Amtrak To Restore One Round-Trip, Previously Suspended Due To East River Tunnel Repairs, on December 1
Amtrak Commits To First-of-its-Kind Price Cap on Empire Service Tickets, Reducing Costs for Riders
Governor Kathy Hochul, Metro-North Railroad President Justin Vonashek and Amtrak President Roger Harris today announced that New York State has secured a series of improvements to rail service on the Empire Service Corridor between Albany and New York City. Supported by New York State via the Department of Transportation, the Empire Service is an economic engine up and down the Hudson River, carrying two million riders annually and achieving record-high ridership in 2024. Following the suspension of three daily Amtrak Empire Service round-trips, Governor Hochul tasked the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to develop potential solutions leveraging its existing Metro-North Railroad service as a mitigation for affected customers. The MTA is now advancing a plan with partners to run Metro-North service between Albany and Grand Central, starting with one daily round-trip in the Spring of 2026. In addition, Amtrak has committed to restoring one daily round-trip previously suspended between New York City and Albany on December 1.
"Restoring Amtrak service and debuting Metro-North service to Albany is a huge win for riders. The Empire Service is vital to communities along the Hudson River,” Governor Hochul said. “While Amtrak's repairs to the East River Tunnels are necessary, riders from Albany to New York City have had to endure sold out trains and higher fares for the past five months. I've been clear from the moment this plan was proposed that New Yorkers deserve better. This new plan will provide more travel options and lower fares for over two million annual riders, saving them time and putting money back in their pockets."
Metro-North President Justin Vonashek said, “Extending Metro-North’s safe, reliable service to Albany closes a critical gap in regional transit by restoring capacity and connecting New York City and Hudson Valley communities with the high-quality service our customers expect.”
Amtrak President Roger Harris said, “New York State residents and visitors’ passion and patience are paying off, as additional, affordable, and improved train service between New York City and Albany is on its way. Thanks to Governor Hochul for her leadership and commitment to New York State, and NYSDOT and MTA for their partnership in helping meet the high demand of train service we have throughout the state.”
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie-Therese Dominguez said, “New York’s Empire Service, which is supported by the State Department of Transportation, is one of the most highly-utilized and important passenger rail services in the nation, and Governor Hochul has been laser focused on making the service more reliable and affordable, especially since the East River Tunnel project began. Today’s announcement by the Governor is a huge win for riders who rely on rail to get where they need to go, and truly demonstrates the possibilities that can happen when the needs of customers are at the forefront. Congratulations to all of our partners and customers and welcome aboard!”
Launching Metro-North Service to Albany
To provide mitigation for rail commuters affected by the suspension of Amtrak service during the rehabilitation of East River Tunnel, Governor Hochul challenged the MTA and Metro-North Railroad to develop a plan to run Hudson Line service beyond Poughkeepsie to connect Grand Central Terminal with Albany-Rensselaer Station. Metro-North is now advancing a plan to commence this service in early spring of 2026, with non-passenger test trains set to run later this year.
The planned schedule will fill in gaps left by Amtrak service that was suspended earlier this year, with the Grand Central to Albany train departing at mid-morning and the Albany-Rensselaer to Grand Central train departing in the afternoon and arriving at Grand Central in time for evening events in New York City. This service would be the first time Metro-North has run between New York City and New York’s Capital Region. Metro-North’s predecessor on the Hudson Line, the New York Central Railroad, previously ran service between Grand Central and Albany until 1967, including on the iconic 20th Century Limited train to Chicago.
This additional service builds on the excellent service Metro-North has provided in 2025. On-Time Performance on the railroad is at 97.9 percent. Customer satisfaction is at a near-record high of 89 percent. Ridership has climbed all year, reaching 94.5 percent on weekends and 86.4 percent of weekday pre-pandemic levels. In September, an average of 233,632 customers rode Metro-North on weekdays, the highest daily average since the pandemic. In October, Governor Hochul and Metro-North officially launched improved super-express service on the Hudson Line between Poughkeepsie and Grand Central, with trips taking less than 90 minutes. In September, the MTA debuted the first new Siemens Charger locomotives on the Hudson line, which will bring more horsepower, improved reliability, and reduced emissions to the railroad.
Amtrak Service Restoration
Following the cancellation or consolidation of three weekday round trips between Albany and New York Penn Station earlier this year to accommodate Amtrak repairs to the East River Tunnels in New York City, Governor Hochul sought the restoration of as much rail service as possible along the corridor. In support of these efforts, Amtrak will be restoring one round trip between Albany and Penn Station on December 1. Amtrak has also committed to a first-of-its-kind price cap on trips between Albany and New York City, with coach seats capped at $99.
In May 2025, in coordination with NYSDOT and other partners, Amtrak began operating a reduced Empire Service schedule to accommodate planned work to the East River Tunnels, which were damaged by Superstorm Sandy and are in urgent need of repair. Amtrak service between Albany-Rensselaer and Penn Station was reduced with the suspension of three trips in each direction.
Thanks to joint efforts by the State of New York and Amtrak, one additional Amtrak trip in each direction between Penn Station and Albany-Rensselaer will be restored starting December 1, 2025. Train 235 which departs Penn Station at 3:15 pm, and Train 238 which departs Albany-Rensselaer at 12:10 pm, will both be resumed.
The reduced service starting this May caused fewer available tickets to be sold at higher prices, with some Coach Class tickets reaching $109 between Albany and Penn Station. To ensure that commuters were not adversely affected by Amtrak’s tunnel rehabilitation project, New York State and Amtrak coordinated on a first-of-its-kind fare cap of $99 on coach seats on all Empire Service trains, bringing down the maximum ticket price by nearly 10 percent. To provide additional affordable fares, Metro-North fares are anticipated to be competitive with the low end of existing Amtrak fares between Albany and New York City.
Amtrak will also restore direct rail service between Albany-Rensselaer and Boston on the Lake Shore Limited on December 1, which is currently running with a temporary bus service. This restoration will reconnect rail service between Albany and Massachusetts for the over 80,000 Lake Shore Limited riders who use the station.
Senator Charles Schumer said, “This is welcome news for Hudson Valley and the Capital Region travelers and commuters. I applaud Governor Hochul and Amtrak for working to return more trains to the Empire Service, and at a reasonable cost. This decision is a win-win for commuters and New York’s economy and puts us on track for a more affordable, more connected future.”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “These critical improvements will enhance rail service for passengers and better connect New Yorkers from Manhattan up to Albany. I have long supported Governor Hochul’s efforts to better connect our state, and I’m thrilled to see these new services come to life. I will continue fighting to improve commutes and to strengthen the rail and public transit systems that connect our communities and serve as the backbone of our economy.”
State Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “The train line is a lifeline for upstate New Yorkers and for the visitors we welcome to our region. We’ve been fighting to increase public transportation in our communities, and the Governor’s announcement today is an exciting start to bolstering access. The state's commitment to restoring Amtrak’s Hudson Line and expanding Metro-North service is a major win for Hudson Valley and Capital Region communities, and a true game-changer for our quality of life and economy.”
Assemblymember Didi Barrett said, “My constituents in the Hudson Valley depend on reliable, affordable rail service for work and school, for visiting friends and family, and for entertainment and recreation. These improvements to the Empire Service corridor will make travel faster and more convenient between Albany and NYC. I thank Governor Hochul for helping to strengthen this critical transportation link that commuters, visitors and residents rely on everyday.”
Assemblymember Phil Steck said, “I travel the rail line between Albany and New York City often, as do many of my constituents, and we all know how busy these trains can be. Any improvement to service on this route is welcome news because so many Capital Region residents rely on it for work, education, and family connections. While many people assume Amtrak is solely a federal operation, this line is financially supported by New York State, which makes these service and fare improvements an important investment in our own state’s infrastructure and economy.”
Assemblymember Scott Bendett said, "The expected increases in train service are welcome news for the entire Capital Region, but especially for my constituents in Albany and Rensselaer Counties. The Albany-Rensselaer Rail Station is a major transportation hub that facilitates efficient, affordable travel to destinations that would otherwise be unreachable for many residents. I commend the administration's work on this issue, and I look forward to seeing more improvements in the future."
Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha said, "There's no such thing as a truly livable New York without affordable, reliable, and fast mass transit from one end of the state to the other. With this goal in mind, and as someone who represents Ulster County's free public buses as well as the Rhinecliff Amtrak station so many of my constituents depend on, it's with great pleasure that I welcome these positive developments in train access for New Yorkers."
Assemblymember Gabriella Romero said, “Reliable, affordable rail service between Albany and New York City is essential to our region’s economy and quality of life. After the joint letter sent earlier this year by the Capital District coalition to Amtrak, I’m glad to see this change being made. These improvements will make it easier for working families, students, and small business owners to travel, connect, and thrive. I’m especially encouraged by the new price cap, which makes this vital service more accessible, and by the upcoming Metro-North expansion, which will strengthen the ties between our Capital Region and downstate communities. I thank Governor Hochul for prioritizing riders and investing in a more connected New York.”
Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy said, “Amtrak service between Albany and New York City is critical to our economy, and specifically to the success of businesses throughout the Capital Region and beyond. I thank Governor Hochul for working with Amtrak on restoration of one round trip on the schedule. We understand the need for improvements to rail service but that must be balanced with what the impact of cancellations of trips means to our upstate economy.”
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said, “Governor Hochul’s continued investment in rail service is a game-changer for Westchester County and all of New York. Restoring Amtrak service and expanding Metro-North to reach Albany means more convenience, more affordability and more opportunity for residents and businesses alike to move about the state. This commitment to modern, accessible transit strengthens New York’s economy, connects our communities and reaffirms that New York is on the move!”
Town of Rhinebeck Supervisor Elizabeth Spinzia said, “The Hudson Valley thrives when our communities are well connected. By improving train service and expanding Metro-North access north of Poughkeepsie, Governor Hochul is investing in a more sustainable, equitable transportation network that benefits families, workers, and our region’s future.”
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said, "Since the earliest days of our founding, Albany has had a profound connection to New York City that encompasses economic prosperity, culture, and growth. Thanks to the leadership and commitment of Governor Kathy Hochul and Roger Harris, the operational improvements to both Amtrak and Metro North will have a tremendous positive impact on the Capital Region and the City of Albany as we welcome even more visitors and commuters, and enhance access to one of the nation's busiest train stations. Rail is one of our strongest infrastructure assets — it transformed our region and our nation once before, and it will continue to do so as we work to become the semiconductor capital of the United States.”
City of Poughkeepsie Mayor Yvonne Flowers said, “Improving rail service along the Hudson River is a win for the entire region. Governor Hochul’s leadership in expanding Metro-North service beyond Poughkeepsie to Albany and restoring Amtrak routes will strengthen connections between our communities, boost local economies, and make travel more affordable and accessible for residents across the Hudson Valley.”
Rhinebeck Mayor Gary Bassett said, “Reliable, affordable rail service is essential for the vitality of our river communities. Governor Hochul’s efforts to expand service and hold down ticket costs will make it easier for residents and visitors alike to travel through the Hudson Valley, supporting our small businesses and strengthening our local economy.”
Association of Commuter Rail Employees Executive Board Director Edward Valente said, "ACRE applauds Governor Hochul for her vision, recognizing this opportunity for Metro-North to provide quality service to our State's Capital. We have long supported using Metro-North to link the greater Hudson Valley corridor together. In addition to providing passengers with more reliable transportation options, increased access to the greater public transit network will provide new economic opportunities across the Hudson Valley.