Amtrak has announced that the expanded temporary Empire Service will continue through Sunday, April 27, before a new spring schedule takes effect on Monday, April 28. The revised schedule will allow for critical rehabilitation of the East River Tunnel in New York City, which sustained damage during Superstorm Sandy.
The updated service will maintain 10 round trips daily between New York City and the Capital Region, while a fifth train car will be added to 28 trains per week on certain routes between NYC and Albany and NYC and Niagara Falls to increase seating capacity.
Amtrak is collaborating with state and commuter partners to evaluate and adjust service plans as needed during the construction period. The company remains focused on ensuring a smooth travel experience and is exploring potential capacity enhancements or modifications based on project progress.
“Amtrak is committed to providing the best possible service to our Empire Service customers while we begin our critical work on the East River Tunnel used in this service. These significant upgrades will modernize critical infrastructure and ensure long-term improvements to the Empire Service and other Amtrak and commuter services for a better customer experience and more reliable trip,” Amtrak President Roger Harris stated.
East River Tunnel rehabilitation: A USD 1.6 billion investment
The East River Tunnel project is a major three-year infrastructure initiative aimed at enhancing rail reliability across New York State and the Northeast Corridor. This USD 1.6 billion investment will restore two of the tunnel’s four tubes, which suffered extensive damage during Superstorm Sandy in 2012. Once complete, these improvements will strengthen the nation’s rail network, providing long-term benefits for passengers.
Key schedule changes from April 28
- 10 Daily Southbound Trains between Albany and NYC
- 10 Daily Northbound Trains between NYC and Albany
- Suspension of Trains 238 & 235 during construction
- Additional seating capacity: A fifth train car added to 28 trains per week on select routes
- Adirondack and Maple Leaf trains will combine between NYC and Albany, with an extended dwell time in Albany
- Empire Service, Adirondack, and Maple Leaf schedules may shift by up to 30 minutes, offering earlier southbound departures and later northbound options
Empire Service: a record-breaking year
The state-supported Empire Service carried more than two million passengers in the 2024 fiscal year, setting all-time records for ridership and revenue.
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