The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is set to extend its Metro-North Railroad service to the Albany area, introducing a once-a-day round trip between Grand Central Terminal and Albany-Rensselaer. New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced this significant expansion on Monday, marking the first commuter train service connecting Grand Central with Albany-Rensselaer since 1967. This new service aims to provide an alternative to the existing Amtrak trains operating between Manhattan’s Penn Station and the Capital Region.
The expansion of Metro-North’s Hudson Line will extend approximately 80 miles beyond its current northern terminus at Poughkeepsie. The round-trip train is scheduled to leave Grand Central in the mid-morning and return in the afternoon, according to details provided by the governor’s office. The route will follow the established Hudson Line stops, serving passengers in Rhinecliff, Hudson, and Albany-Rensselaer.
As of now, the MTA has not finalized the fare for this new service, but it is anticipated to be around $40, similar to the lower end of Amtrak’s one-way ticket prices from New York City to Albany. Importantly, the fares for the Metro-North service will be fixed, contrasting with Amtrak’s variable pricing, which can exceed $100 on certain trips.
Governor Hochul’s announcement comes in the wake of ongoing tensions between MTA officials and Amtrak regarding the latter’s shutdown of an East River tunnel for repairs. Janno Lieber, Chair of the MTA, has long urged Amtrak to conduct repairs during off-peak hours to minimize disruptions. The tunnel closure has strained Amtrak’s capacity, leading to a reduction in service, including two daily trips between New York City and Albany-Rensselaer earlier this year.
“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,” stated Justin Vonashek, President of Metro-North.
In conjunction with this announcement, Governor Hochul revealed that Amtrak has agreed to enhance its service by adding a daily train in both directions between New York City and Albany-Rensselaer, beginning on December 1, 2023. Additionally, Amtrak will implement a cap on coach flex fares, setting the maximum round trip price at $99 for trips between Penn Station and Albany.
“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,” Hochul remarked, highlighting the expected benefits for commuters in the region.
The introduction of Metro-North service to Albany signifies a pivotal development in regional transit, enhancing connectivity for travelers and fostering competition in the transportation sector.
