Benefit News: Select Empire Service Trains to Operate to/from Grand Central Terminal during Infrastructure Renewal Period

WASHINGTON – As part of the modified Amtrak service during infrastructure renewal work, select Empire Service trains will operate to/from Grand Central Terminal. In coordination with New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), three roundtrip Empire Service trains (six total trains) will operate between Albany-Rensselaer and Grand Central Terminal during the renewal work period, from July 10 – Sept. 1.

The following service adjustments have been made to Amtrak’s weekday schedule, including those previously announced, which will be in effect from July 10 – Sept. 1. Customers can expect some minor run-time changes to the regularly scheduled service, particularly for routes that have been modified during the renewal period:

Northeast Corridor Service

• Empire Service: Monday-Friday, three roundtrip trains (six total trains) will operate between Albany-Rensselaer (ALB) and New York Grand Central Terminal (NYG). ALB to NYG: 230, 236, and 242. NYG to ALB: 233, 235 and 239. Please note: on the weekends, train 233 will originate from New York Penn (NYP). On Fridays, Trains 255 and 293 will be canceled. Train 291 will operate daily from New York Penn (NYP) to Rutland, Vermont (RUD) station.
• Northeast Regional: Three roundtrip trains (six total trains) 110, 111, 127, 180, 183, and 186 have been cancelled between New York City and Washington, D.C. Three trains will also make additional stops to accommodate passengers. Train 79 will make an extra stop at Metropark (MET), train 129 will make an extra stop at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), and Train 193 will make an extra stop at North Philadelphia (PHN). Service between New York City and Boston will operate as scheduled.
• Keystone Service: Three roundtrip trains (six total trains) 651, 653, 655, 642, 650 and 652, which normally operate between Harrisburg and New York City, will only operate between Philadelphia and Harrisburg. One roundtrip train (two total trains) 640 and 643 will operate between Newark, NJ and Harrisburg. Service between Philadelphia and Harrisburg will operate as scheduled.
• Adirondack / Maple Leaf Service: The Adirondack, operating between New York City and Montreal, and the Maple Leaf, operating between New York City and Toronto, will be combined during the renewal period. Customers will depart New York Penn (NYP) daily and travel to Albany-Rensselaer (ALB), where the trains will be separated and continue on to their respective destinations.
• Acela Express: No changes.

Long Distance services that operate on the Northeast Corridor

• Crescent: Normally operating between New York City and New Orleans, this service will originate and end in Washington, D.C. daily during the renewal period. Connections will be provided on other Northeast Corridor trains.
• Silver Service: Tickets that are normally only available to long distance customers traveling between New York City and Tampa/Miami, will be open to all Northeast Corridor travelers during the renewal period.
• Cardinal Service: Tickets that are normally only available to long distance customers traveling between New York City and Chicago, will be open to all Northeast Corridor travelers during the renewal period.

Amtrak’s reservation systems have been updated to reflect these schedule changes and any passenger already booked on a train that has been cancelled or altered will be contacted and accommodated on other scheduled services.

Customer Information

Amtrak has launched several customer initiatives and efforts in advance of the Infrastructure Renewal work this month. The following resources are available for all customers:

• Email or text alerts: Amtrak recently launched a new feature that will allow customers to sign up to receive customized texts or emails for Amtrak train and service information.
• Amtrak Ambassadors: Volunteer ambassadors will be on hand at New York Penn (NYP) Station during the renewal period to assist customers with wayfinding and address questions.
• Amtrak.com/NYPrenewal: Find the latest Amtrak train schedule information, project updates, frequently asked questions, and more.
• Amtrak Social Media: Amtrak’s blog and social media accounts will provide service updates, program progress and a behind-the-scenes look at the work. Customers can follow @AmtrakNEC and @Amtrak on Twitter for timely information.
• Amtrak.com and Amtrak mobile app: To check the status of your train, or to modify existing reservations, visit Amtrak.com or the Amtrak mobile app.

About Amtrak®

Amtrak – America’s Railroad® – and a Veterans Advantage benefit partner is dedicated to safe and reliable mobility as the nation’s intercity passenger rail service provider and its high-speed rail operator. With our state and commuter partners, we move people, the economy and the nation forward, carrying more than 30 million Amtrak passengers for each of the past six years. Formally known as the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, Amtrak is governed by a 10-member board of directors, nine of whom are appointed by the President of the United States plus the Amtrak CEO. Anthony R. Coscia is board chairman and Jeffrey R. Moreland is vice chairman.  Amtrak operates more than 300 trains daily – at speeds up to 150 mph (241 kph) – connecting more than 500 destinations in 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian Provinces. Learn more at Amtrak.com or call 800-USA-RAIL for schedules, fares and other information. Check us out at blog.Amtrak.com, Like us on Facebook.com and Follow us on Twitter @Amtrak.