Amtrak Service Suspended on New York City-Albany Route: No Update for return of direct service to New York

Amtrak’s direct trains between Albany and New York City remain suspended as of November 14, with no indication of when the service might resume. The suspension is due to structural issues with a privately owned parking garage located above the Empire Line tracks in New York City. The garage, part of a larger residential tower, has been deemed unsafe, prompting the Department of Buildings to issue emergency work orders and Amtrak to modify train schedules.

Amtrak train tracks through the floor of this Hell’s Kitchen parking garage. It’s suspended Amtrak service from Penn to Albany. pic.twitter.com/ROiz9tEfwy

— Housing information (@usaHousingInfo) November 14, 2023

Passengers are advised to use Metro-North trains between Croton-Harmon and New York City, with tickets being cross-honored. Amtrak is working with the building owner and the NYC Department of Buildings to restore service as soon as possible, and cancellation fees are being waived for affected travelers.

What caused the structural issues that led to the amtrak service suspension?

• Structural Issues Cause Amtrak Suspension: Amtrak service between New York City and Albany is suspended due to structural problems with a privately owned parking garage above the Empire Line tracks.
• Location of Garage: The garage, situated on West 51st Street between 10th and 11th Avenues, is an integral part of a larger residential tower.
• Emergency Work Orders: The New York City Department of Buildings issued emergency work orders for the garage upon discovering structural issues, including holes, prompting the suspension of Amtrak service.
• Garage Closure and Repairs: The affected garage has been closed for emergency repairs, leaving vehicles inside stuck.
• Collaborative Efforts: Amtrak is actively collaborating with the building owner and the NYC Department of Buildings to address the situation and expedite the restoration of service.
• Alternative Transportation: Passengers are advised to use Metro-North trains between Croton-Harmon and New York City, with cross-honored tickets.
• Cancellation Fee Waiver: Amtrak is waiving cancellation fees for affected travelers inconvenienced by the service suspension.

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Amtrak’s Response to Safety Issues on Albany to NYC Line

• Uncertain Resumption Timeline: Amtrak has not provided a specific timeline for the resumption of direct service between Albany and New York City.
• Safety Concerns and Structural Issues: The suspension is a response to safety concerns arising from structural issues with a privately owned parking garage situated above the Empire Line tracks in New York City.
• Collaborative Efforts for Restoration: Amtrak is actively collaborating with the building owner and the NYC Department of Buildings to address the structural issues and expedite the restoration of service.
• Alternative Transportation: Passengers are advised to use Metro-North trains between Croton-Harmon and New York City during the service suspension. Tickets for this alternative transportation are being cross-honored.
• Cancellation Fee Waiver: To alleviate inconvenience, Amtrak is waiving cancellation fees for affected travelers who may need to adjust their plans due to the suspended service.