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Amtrak in New York: What’s New (2025)

Penn Station Revamp Under Federal Oversight

  • In April 2025, the Federal Railroad Administration and Amtrak took over the long-delayed $7 billion Penn Station renovation, replacing the Metropolitan Transportation Authority as lead agency 

  • Andy Byford, ex‑CEO of NYC Transit (aka “Train Daddy”), joined Amtrak’s board to oversee the project, signaling a renewed push for efficient, timely delivery under federal leadership 

East River Tunnel Reconstruction

  • Amtrak began a $1.6B overhaul of two East River tunnels in May 2025. This critical work has reduced daily service between New York City and Albany—from 12 to 10 trains each way—and combined Maple Leaf and Adirondack lines between NYC and Albany

  • The schedule cuts, along with fewer seats, have activated dynamic pricing, causing commuter fares to spike at peak demand periods. Governor Hochul criticized this impact on affordability for upstate riders 

Infrastructure Progress Near New York

  • Portal North Bridge, a key component of the Gateway Program, reached its halfway construction milestone in early 2025. The bridge will support faster, more reliable service into Penn Station by 2027

  • The Penn Station Access project, led by MTA and Amtrak, is expanding Metro‑North service via the Hell Gate Line. When completed in 2027, four new fully ADA-accessible Bronx stations will offer direct rides to Penn Station and improved track reliability along the corridor

 Future Service Expansion

  • A proposed extension of Northeast Regional trains to Long Island via Ronkonkoma was confirmed in January 2025. Service is expected to begin around 2028, with stops at Hicksville and Jamaica, creating a one-seat ride between Long Island and the Northeast Corridor

  • Amtrak is also moving forward on modernizing its long-distance routes (like Empire Service, Maple Leaf, and Adirondack), investing in new equipment and passenger amenities as part of its broader fleet refresh

What Should Travelers Know?

  • Plan ahead for disruptions: Tunnel repair through at least 2026 may reduce service and increase demand on Albany‑NYC routes.

  • Expect price surges on affected runs, especially during peak hours—booking in advance can help avoid dynamic pricing.

  • Look to the future: Penn Station improvements, along with proposed service extensions to Long Island, promise better reliability and connectivity in the next few years.

Summary Table

Project / Service Status (as of Aug 2025) Impact
Penn Station Revamp FRA/Amtrak led, Byford overseeing Major overhaul underway
East River Tunnel Rehab Active (2‑year closures in progress) Reduced NY–Albany service, dynamic fares
Gateway & Portal Bridge Mid-construction, to complete by 2027 Enhanced capacity into Manhattan
Metro-North Penn Access In construction, opens 2027 New Bronx stations & direct NYC access
Ronkonkoma Extension Planning approved, builds by 2028 Long Island one-seat Northeast rides

🎟️ Ticketing & Service Changes

1. Empire Service Adjustments

To accommodate tunnel repairs, Amtrak has modified service between New York City and Albany:

  • 10 daily round trips now operate.

  • More capacity: 28 weekly trains have an added 5th car.

  • Service suspensions: Trains 235 and 238 are temporarily discontinued.

  • Combined routes: Adirondack and Maple Leaf trains are merged between NYC and Albany.

📅 These changes began April 28, 2025 and will continue during tunnel rehabilitation through at least 2027.

📍Booking Tip: Check schedules closely; departure times and frequency may differ from pre-2025 service.

More info → Amtrak Media Release

💰 Fares & Pricing

2. Fare Increases & Dynamic Pricing

  • Due to service disruptions, prices have surged under Amtrak’s dynamic pricing model.

  • Governor Hochul has publicly asked Amtrak to:

    • Pause surge pricing during construction.

    • Restore pre-pandemic levels of service.

🚨 Heads-up for travelers: Book early where possible; last-minute tickets may be significantly more expensive.

More info → Times Union

🚉 Station Experience & Amenities

3. Moynihan Train Hall – The New Hub

  • Located across from Penn Station, this is now the main terminal for Amtrak in NYC.

  • Offers spacious waiting areas, modern amenities, and better lighting.

  • Includes dining, a craft brewery, and eventually a planned walkway to the High Line park.

📍Good to know: All Amtrak intercity departures/arrivals use Moynihan Train Hall, not the old Penn Station concourse.

Learn about the station → Wikipedia

⚠️ What Travelers Should Watch For

  • Plan for delays: Tunnel work could cause bottlenecks, especially during peak hours.

  • Stay updated: Service alerts are posted on Amtrak.com.

  • Check seating availability in advance — especially for Empire Service and holiday travel.

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