Miracle: Amtrak Restores Hudson Valley Train Line After Backlash

A popular Amtrak route that cuts directly through the Hudson Valley has once again been modified after recent cuts to service caused quite the stir with passengers.

The original announcement, which cut current train schedules as well as combined several other train routes, was said to be necessary to accommodate upcoming construction. With the massive holiday travel season on the horizon, however, the company has recently backtracked.

Amtrak Causes Stir with Amended Route Announcement

The controversy began when Amtrak announced the need to reduce the schedule of their popular Empire Line, which transports commuters from Albany to New York City. Originally cutting three of the 13 daily trips, pressure has been been mounting from both passengers and the New York State government to reverse the decision.

Amtrak Reverses Plans to Cancel Portions of Empire Line

The original changes were said to be due to upcoming construction and maintenance of train tunnels underneath the East River in New York City that take trains to a yard in Queens (above). Since work isn't slated to begin until March, however, Amtrak has extended two of the cancelled routes until that time. Here's which ones:

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Amtrak Restores Two Empire Line Routes

Amtrak is now reinstating both their  6:35 p.m. train that leaves Albany for New York City as well as the 8:35 a.m. train travelling from New York City up to Albany. The 5:05 a.m. train that brought Albany passengers to New York City will not be restored. But that's not all.

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Amtrak is also reportedly reversing their decision to combine the Maple Leaf and Adirondack train routes, and will keep these lines separate until March 2025. Additionally, more train cars will be added to existing routes, which will increase passenger capacity as well.