Plattsburgh, New York – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik announced that, following her consistent advocacy, Amtrak’s Adirondack Line will resume service for the first time in over three years today.
The Adirondack Line runs from Albany to Montreal and includes stops in Plattsburgh, Whitehall, Ticonderoga, Rensselaer, Port Henry, and Rouses Point. It has been closed since the onset of the pandemic.
“After over a year of my continued advocacy, Amtrak’s Adirondack Line resumes service today,” Stefanik said. “Families throughout Upstate New York and the North Country rely on the Adirondack Line for transportation, and it serves a significant economic driver, connecting tourists and our Canadian neighbors to our region. When Amtrak dragged its feet to include the North Country in its reopening plans, I brought the concerns of New York’s 21st District to the highest levels. One day after my call with Amtrak’s President, Amtrak committed to reopening the Adirondack Line by April 3rd, and I’m proud to witness this result in action today.”
“From both an economic and transportation standpoint, the Adirondack Line plays a crucial role in our region,” said State Senator Dan Stec. “Today’s reopening is a long-awaited and welcome development. With service resuming, our region is finally able to fully move forward from the pandemic and get our economy back on track. This is a major victory for North Country residents and businesses, and for all New Yorkers looking to travel and visit our region and Canada.”
“This is a great day for the Adirondack Region and North Country at-large. I have had steady inquiries from constituents, locally elected officials, and businesses curious when the Adirondack line would resume. This line runs from New York City’s Moynihan Train Hall to Montreal with stops for travelers coming and going in Whitehall, Ticonderoga, Port Henry, and Westport as well as Fort Edward just outside the City of Glens Falls. Providing access for residents and visitors alike to explore our beautiful State only enhances the social and economic opportunities for the growth of more vibrant communities. I cannot thank Congresswoman Elise Stefanik and her staff enough for their continued diligence and engagement on this issue,” said Assemblyman Matt Simpson, District 114.
“I would like to welcome Amtrak back to Plattsburgh and the North Country,” said Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake). “The Adirondack Line connects the North Country to the rest of New York, and we have all been eager for its return. This is a major route between New York City and Montreal and Amtrak’s reopening will continue to make traveling across the border easier and accessible for both North Country residents and our neighbors to the North. This is also great news for the college students who used to depend on it to go home for breaks. After pushing to get it back the past few years, it’s exciting to welcome Amtrak to the North Country once again.”
“This is great news for our community! The Port Henry Station is the oldest on the entire line, and also on the Historic Register. This station is very busy year round and it will be great to reopen once again!" said Moriah Town Supervisor Tom Scozzafava.
"We're of course happy to see this extended hiatus in service end. This service provides both national and international access to the heart of our downtown. Many of our downstate students and Montreal neighbors use this service to come to our City. We appreciate seeing this service return to our region,” said Plattsburgh Mayor Chris Rosenquest.
For over the past year, Stefanik’s office has been engaged with Amtrak to reopen the Adirondack Line.
In July, after Amtrak resumed its Maple Leaf Line from New York City to Toronto, Stefanik publicly called for Amtrak to restore the Adirondack Line. Since then, her office has been pushing Amtrak on a deadline. In November, following Amtrak’s vague mention of a Spring 2023 reopening, Stefanik blasted Amtrak’s failure to provide a date or details and made a formal request to Amtrak President Stephen Gardner to commit to a timeline for full reopening – in time for tourist season.
On March 10, Stefanik announced that, just one day after her call with the President of Amtrak, service for the Adirondack Line would resume by April 3.
