Oct 20, 2025
At a Press Event held in Rensselaer today, Governor Kathy Hochul announced several passenger-friendly initiatives for the Empire Corridor. ESPA President Gary Prophet was an invited guest at the event.
Highlights:
- Amtrak is restoring trains #235 & #238 between Albany & New York Penn Station starting December 1st. When last operated, #238 departed Albany 11:40am & #235 departed New York at 3:15pm (exact schedules will be announced shortly).
- There will be direct service between Albany & New York's Grand Central Terminal starting in the Spring of 2026 utilizing Metro North equipment. The initial plan is for one (1) round trip per day to/from Grand Central.
- Fares on Amtrak's Hudson Valley trains are being capped at a maximum of $99.00 one-way, regardless of the peak demand experienced on many weekends & holidays.
- Service between Albany & Boston on the Lake Shore Limited resumes on December 1st.
More information and details are to come, but the following are the facts as ESPA currently understand them:
- The new one (1) daily round trip between Albany and Grand Central Terminal will utilize regular Metro North locomotives and cars. The schedule has not yet been defined. The train may be operated by Amtrak crews and it will make limited stops. Fares have not yet been determined, but will not be based on Metro North's fare structure. Reservations will likely be required.
- It's very important to note that this is not an extension of regular Metro North service north of Poughkeepsie. There will be NOexpansion of the MTA's taxing authority.
Visit ESPA's website and Facebook page for more information as it becomes available.