The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has announced plans to extend service on the Metro-North Railroad to the Albany area, marking a significant development in regional transportation. Governor Kathy Hochul revealed that the new service will begin in the spring of 2024, providing a once-daily round trip between Grand Central Terminal in New York City and the Albany-Rensselaer Station. This expansion represents the first commuter train service on this route since 1967.
The new Metro-North route will extend approximately 80 miles north of its current terminus at Poughkeepsie. Trains will depart from Grand Central mid-morning, making stops at Rhinecliff, Hudson, and Albany-Rensselaer before returning to the city in the afternoon. The MTA has not yet finalized ticket prices, but they are expected to be around $40, comparable to the lower end of Amtrak’s one-way fares.
This service aims to provide an alternative to Amtrak trains that connect Manhattan’s Penn Station to the Capital Region. Kathy Hochul emphasized that the new fare structure will be fixed, offering more predictable pricing than Amtrak’s variable fare system, which can sometimes exceed $100 for similar routes.
The announcement of this new service coincides with ongoing tensions between the MTA and Amtrak. MTA Chair Janno Lieber has publicly criticized Amtrak for its decision to close one of its East River tunnels for repairs, which has limited capacity and led to the cancellation of two daily trips between New York City and Albany earlier this year. The closure has prompted calls for Amtrak to conduct repairs during off-peak hours to minimize disruptions.
In a related development, Amtrak has agreed to enhance its service by adding an additional daily train in each direction between New York City and Albany-Rensselaer starting on December 1, 2023. The railroad will also implement a cap on coach flex fares at $99 for round trips between the two locations.
Metro-North President Justin Vonashek expressed optimism about the expanded service, stating, “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.”
Governor Hochul reiterated the benefits of this expansion, highlighting the potential for improved travel options and reduced fares for the more than two million annual riders. “This new plan will provide more travel options and lower fares, saving them time and putting money back in their pockets,” she noted.
The Metro-North expansion signals a pivotal moment for transportation in New York, as it seeks to enhance commuter convenience and address the growing demand for reliable transit options in the region.
