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Governor Kathy Hochul has announced an expansion of train services between Albany and New York City to address recent reductions in Amtrak services. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will introduce a new Metro-North service, marking the first time it will run between Albany and Grand Central Terminal. This service will start with one daily round-trip in the spring of 2026. Additionally, Amtrak will restore one daily round-trip between New York City and Albany on December 1, which had been suspended due to repairs on the East River tunnel.
The new Metro-North service will extend the Hudson Line approximately 80 miles beyond its current endpoint in Poughkeepsie, stopping at Rhinecliff, Hudson, and Albany-Rensselaer stations. According to Governor Hochul, this expansion will provide more travel options and lower fares for over two million annual riders, enhancing connectivity and quality of life.
Amtrak's restoration of services includes a new fare cap of $99 for trips between New York City and Albany, making travel more affordable. The MTA anticipates that the new Metro-North service will be revenue neutral, with collected fares covering the costs of the expansion.
Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of these improvements, stating that New Yorkers deserve reliable and affordable train services. She also highlighted the role of infrastructure in improving people's quality of life by providing more time for family and personal activities.