Kathy Hochul, Governor (D) of New York, said Amtrak has agreed to expand Empire Service capacity earlier than planned, ensuring reliable transit for commuters in New York City, the Hudson Valley, and the Capital Region.
“When Amtrak proposed to significantly reduce Empire Service trips for several years to accommodate the East River Tunnel project, I demanded better,” said Hochul in a statement on her website. “That’s why today, I’m proud to announce that Amtrak will be restoring all suspended or combined Empire Service trains between New York Penn Station and Albany-Rensselaer beginning in early March. Nearly three million New Yorkers rely on this state-supported train to travel between New York City, the Hudson Valley, and the Capital Region each year. I have been clear that our commuters cannot suffer disproportionately for regional construction projects and am glad Amtrak has heeded my call and committed to running full service for the duration of the project and beyond.”
The restoration of service is significant for commuters in New York City, the Hudson Valley, and the Capital Region.
According to Hochul’s website, she issued a statement on January 27 detailing her role in demanding alternatives to Amtrak’s proposed multi-year reductions tied to the tunnel project. The statement also noted the withdrawal of temporary Metro-North service to Albany but affirmed a commitment to enhancing rail options in the region.
Amtrak reported that its Empire Service route carried 1,351,223 passengers in fiscal year 2025. This route serves as a key transportation link for daily commutes and regional connectivity across the Hudson Valley and Capital Region. The network supports economic activity by connecting urban centers with surrounding areas. Amtrak data show national ridership reached 34.5 million customer trips in fiscal year 2025—a 5.1 percent increase from the previous year—with ticket revenue rising to $2.7 billion.
The New York State Department of Transportation reports statewide ridership across all Amtrak lines totaled over two million passengers from October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024. The Empire Service operates through counties such as Westchester, Dutchess, and Erie, providing essential links from New York City to upstate destinations including Niagara Falls.
Hochul began her career in public service on her local Town Board before serving as Erie County Clerk and as a Member of Congress for New York’s 26th District. She later served as Lieutenant Governor before becoming New York’s governor in 2021.
