Governor Kathy Hochul is pushing Amtrak to reconsider its construction strategy for the East River Tunnels and move towards a 'repair in place' approach. This method would enable work to be done during nights and weekends, avoiding full shutdowns and keeping the train schedule intact. The Governor's request was prompted by Amtrak's decision to continue service cuts for Empire Service riders despite delaying the tunnel closure, which caused a stir among those who regularly rely on this line.
Amtrak's service cuts followed an announcement last year of reduced trips between Albany and New York City to undertake repairs on the East River Tunnels that were damaged during Superstorm Sandy. These cuts had already taken a hefty toll on the transportation routine of over two million passengers. Governor Hochul, insisting on the necessity of maintaining accessible commute options, stated, "Enough is enough. It's far past time for Amtrak to put its passengers first," in a statement obtained by the office of the Governor. Despite the Governor's support for the tunnel rehabilitation, she has openly critiqued the imbalance in how service alterations are distributed, favoring a reevaluation of the shutdown plan.
Amtrak's plans have also impacted the Maple Leaf and Adirondack lines, with the Empire Service suffering a disproportionately severe cutback. The Governor's opposition brought Amtrak and the NYSDOT to the negotiating table, securing a previous commitment to restore most suspended services ahead of the closures. There was also an agreement to add extra coach cars to other Empire Service trains, which now appears to be on shaky ground due to Amtrak redistributing rolling stock to address corrosion on their Horizon fleet cars.
The looming change in Amtrak's leadership presents a moment deemed opportune by the State for a fresh assessment of the shutdown strategy. Addressing the risks to Long Island Rail Road service and the implications for commuters in the upcoming spring and summer travel seasons, NYSDOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez echoed Governor Hochul's concerns. "It's imperative that New Yorkers have convenient and reliable passenger rail service," Dominguez said, expressing the need for a construction plan that minimizes inconvenience to the public, according to a statement from the Governor's office.
