Amtrak’s decision to reduce train service during a three-year East River Tunnel overhaul is drawing fierce criticism from New York leaders and transit advocates alike.
At a Glance
- Amtrak cuts two daily trains between Albany and NYC
- Repairs stem from Hurricane Sandy tunnel damage
- Hochul demands service changes to ease disruption
- New York contributing $1.6 billion to tunnel work
- Officials doubt Amtrak’s commuter readiness
Hochul: “Enough Is Enough”
Amtrak has begun scaling back train service between Penn Station and Albany as it launches a three-year project to repair Hurricane Sandy-damaged tunnels beneath the East River. The move, which took effect Monday, sparked immediate backlash from state officials and daily commuters, according to the New York Post.
Governor Kathy Hochul blasted the timing and impact of the cuts, calling on Amtrak to consider nighttime or weekend work instead. “Enough is enough. It’s far past time for Amtrak to put its passengers first,” she said, urging the agency to rethink its approach and prioritize uninterrupted travel along the corridor.
Watch NY1’s coverage at NY Gov. Hochul and local Republicans ask Amtrak to reconsider East River tunnel closure.
Commuter Concerns and Capacity Doubts
The service reduction, which removes two Empire Service trains daily, has raised alarms about potential overcrowding on remaining routes. As noted by AOL, officials such as Long Island Rail Road President Rob Free and MTA board member Marc Herbst worry Amtrak isn’t equipped to handle peak-hour demands with fewer trains.
New York is contributing $1.6 billion to the project, and critics argue that such a sizable investment should guarantee smoother service—not chaos. “While I continue to be supportive of the efforts to rehabilitate the East River Tunnels, the decision to maintain service cuts amidst this latest delay…shows a disregard for Empire Service passengers,” Hochul added, emphasizing the state’s stake in the project’s success.
Tunnel Work to Disrupt Travel Until 2028
Amtrak says the repairs are essential for long-term reliability and safety, especially as the tunnel damage traces back over a decade to Superstorm Sandy. The agency has defended the timeline and strategy as a necessary tradeoff, projecting the overhaul will secure Northeast Corridor infrastructure “for the next century,” according to New York Post.
Still, frustration remains high. “It’s the same as doing roadwork,” commuter Robert Smith told AOL. “If they do it during the day it causes a traffic jam.” With delays expected through 2028, riders and officials alike are demanding more transparency, better planning, and real relief as the repairs stretch into years, not months.
Watch CBS New York’s update at LIRR president warns Amtrak project could affect service for years.
