N.Y. senators to Hochul: Expand Metro-North Railroad service upstate

Several New York state senators are urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to revive a plan to expand Metro-North Railroad service into the Capital Region.

Eighteen state senators signed a letter to Hochul calling for the governor to back the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Metro-North service beyond its Hudson Line’s northernmost stop in Poughkeepsie.

They said the extended service was slated to begin this spring, but was sidetracked after Amtrak announced this winter it was restoring its full Empire Service between New York City and the Albany-Rensselaer train station.

“Returning Amtrak service between Albany and New York City is welcome news, but we are disappointed that this decision came at the expense of expanding Metro-North beyond Poughkeepsie, which has now been put on hold,” the senators wrote. “Extending Metro-North would have created a direct line between upstate communities and major hubs like Grand Central Station and Harlem 125th Street, and provided access to the East Side of Manhattan, something Amtrak service does not do.”

State Sen. Michelle Hinchey said Metro-North is also the most affordable, reliable and flexible rail service into and out of New York City, “and this expansion plan deserves to be back on the table because it’s good for everyone.” 

State Sen. Patricia Fahy echoed that. 

“It’s time we offered Capital Region residents more than just one rail option and ultimately seize this opportunity to expand Metro North to our area,†she said.

Members of the Association of Commuter Rail Employees, the union which represents Metro-North Railroad workers, and the Empire State Passengers Association (ESPA) backed the lawmakers’ effort Monday in the State Capitol.

“ESPA is supportive of passenger rail solutions that provide more affordable travel between Manhattan and Albany, including the station stops of Rhinecliff and Hudson,” said Gary Prophet, president of the ESPA. “Currently, frequently sold-out trains and high fares are not consistent with serving the rail passengers of the upper Hudson Valley and Albany areas.â€

Hochul said in January that she was “fully committed” to proposals to improve transit between New York City and the upper Hudson Valley and Capital Region, including a Metro-North expansion. 

“We appreciate your acknowledgement that a future Metro-North expansion could move forward if demand exists, and we note that Metro-North leadership has made clear they are ready and able to launch service if directed,” the senators said in their letter to Hochul. “We, the undersigned, can confidently say that demand exists well beyond Poughkeepsie.”