Hudson River Rail Excursions’ day trips are unfortunately on indefinite hiatus. Amtrak’s important East River Tunnel Rehabilitation Project has required changes to the New York to Albany Empire Service trains, and these trains can no longer support our operations. We here at Hudson River Rail are terribly disappointed, but are fully in support of improving public transit. We look forward to working with Amtrak to bring this trips back in a way that works for the benefit of all involved.
In the meantime, we will still be busy! Keep an eye out for details on our New York to Chicago overnight excursions, operating this Fall. You can also expect to see our fleet of cars operating this Summer, albeit outside of New York City. We are excited to take on some new adventures while we work to bring our classic New York day trips back for you. Learn more about how you can help up below!
Read our Press Release
Why can’t Amtrak accomodate Hudson River Rail Excursions?
Amtrak is undertaking a major refurbishment of the East River Tunnels, which connect Penn Station in Manhattan with Queens, Long Island, and the Northeast Corridor to Boston. One at a time, each of the four tubes will be shut down for more than a year get a full upgrade. To compensate for the reduced capacity, Amtrak has made major changes to Empire Service trains. The trains to which our cars were previously attached, trains 233 and 244, now require a locomotive on either end of the train, and change directions in Penn Station, rather than heading into Sunnyside Yard to turn around on a loop. This means that we cannot add cars to the end of these trains for the foreseeable future.
What can be done?
While we fully support these essential infrastructure upgrades, we believe it’s possible to have both progress and preservation. Our ask of Amtrak is simple. We wish to see trains 233 and 244 returned to standard single-ended operation to accommodate our historic cars. Alternatively, URHS wishes to work with Amtrak to explore options for private charters, provided they can be operated at reasonable expense. We thank Amtrak sincerely for the dedication they will show in getting Hudson River Rail back on the road.
Make your voice heard!
Please use the form below to voice your support for Hudson River Rail Excursions! If you have ridden our train, share your experience riding with us and what it has meant to you! Whether you have ridden with us or intend to ride with us, tell us what it means to have these antique cars running in the 21st Century.
Feel free to include as much information as you would like! If you would like to inlcude any more information or photos, feel free to email us at HudsonRiverRail@urhs.org