Amtrak Service Cuts Announced in Hudson Valley
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Amtrak Service Cuts Announced in Hudson Valley
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Amtrak riders will see a reduction in service by three daily roundtrips in the Hudson Valley starting on November 11. The service cuts stem from scheduled repairs to the East River Tunnel in New York City.
East River Tunnel Repairs
The rehabilitation project aims to fully modernize the 114-year-old tunnel tubes, which sustained damage in 2012 from floodwaters during Superstorm Sandy. The repair work is expected to last around three years.
Service Schedule Changes
The updated schedule will see two trains between Albany and New York City combined into one. According to the Empire State Passengers Association (ESPA), the change will result in a nearly two-hour layover at the Rensselaer station for passengers of one of the trains before continuing their travel.
ESPA Response
"New York’s Hudson Valley Amtrak service already sells out every Friday and Sunday and frequently on Thursdays and Saturdays," said ESPA President Gary Prophet. "It is imperative that Amtrak lengthen the remaining trains as partial mitigation for the frequency reductions."
Amtrak Statement
Amtrak officials stated, "Amtrak plans to maintain the vast majority of service, with slight schedule changes for Northeast Regional and Acala trains, as well as modifications to some Long Distance and State Supported services. Amtrak and the railroad partners are coordinating closely to mitigate service impacts and will provide detailed service information via numerous channels in the coming months."
Conclusion
The upcoming service cuts are a necessary step to ensure the long-term sustainability of Amtrak’s Hudson Valley routes. While the changes may cause inconvenience, Amtrak is working to minimize the impact on passengers and is committed to providing detailed information on schedule changes in the coming months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many daily roundtrips will be reduced?
A: Three daily roundtrips will be reduced.
Q: Why are the service cuts necessary?
A: The service cuts are necessary to accommodate the scheduled repairs to the East River Tunnel.
Q: What is the expected duration of the repair work?
A: The repair work is expected to last around three years.
Q: Will the schedule changes result in longer layovers for passengers?
A: Yes, the updated schedule will result in a nearly two-hour layover at the Rensselaer station for passengers of one of the trains.
