PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (WCAX) – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik is joining other lawmakers asking Amtrak to delay construction.
Amtrak plans to start work on one of the tunnels in New York City later this month. Once underway, Amtrak says there will be a 20% reduction its rail service and almost two hours of delays for passengers taking the Adirondack.
Rep. Stefanik and others are now asking Amtrak to push off that plan for at least 60 days to avoid long wait times during the holiday season.
“We are fully funding this and that means they need to meet their responsibility to serve those communities. It is an important thoroughfare, not only for tourists but for people who live and work in the Adirondacks and in the North Country,” Rep. Stefanik said.
Consultant group Ameristar rail also pitched a similar plan asking Amtrak to wait until after the holidays and to extend existing service down to Washington D.C. to avoid delays and a reduction in service.