NY Governor Kathy Hochul Announces New Metro-North Super Express Service

Enhanced Metro-North Service

• 🚀 Governor Kathy Hochul announced the launch of Super Express service on the Metro-North Hudson line, accelerating travel times.
• 💡 The new service aims to give New Yorkers more time back in their lives, fulfilling a promise made in the State of the State address.
• ⏱️ Starting October 6th, trains from Poughkeepsie to Grand Central will take 90 minutes, and from Beacon to Grand Central, under 1 hour and 15 minutes, saving daily commuters approximately 14 minutes per trip.
• 💰 Over $26 million was secured in state budgets for critical rail improvements, including GPS and simulation software, signaling infrastructure upgrades, and new diesel-electric locomotives.

Transit as a Lifeblood

• 🌉 Hochul emphasized that transit infrastructure is about connecting people to their lives, enabling them to attend family events or simply get home faster.
• 🚗 This initiative supports the broader goal of making it easier to get into Manhattan without a car, aligning with the success of congestion pricing and increased train ridership.
• 📈 The MTA's capital plan, including generational projects like the Second Avenue Subway and East Side Access, has been fully funded, demonstrating a commitment to transit improvements.

Public Safety and Transit Initiatives

• 🚨 The "cops, cameras, and care" initiative has contributed to the safest summer in 10 years, with crime rates significantly down.
• ⛳ For sports fans, additional eastbound trains are being added daily from Sunday through Friday, and nine more on Saturday, to accommodate attendees of the Ryder Cup at Bethpage.

Metro-North and Long Island Railroad Updates

• ⚡ Metro-North President Justin Bonisk highlighted the first full day of revenue service for the new Siemens Charger locomotives, which reduce emissions by nearly 85%.
• 🚆 The MTA plans to invest $11 billion over the next five years for new rolling stock across the network.
• ⛳ Long Island Railroad President Rob Free discussed the extensive service provided for the Ryder Cup, including 91 trains stopping at Farmingdale station on weekdays and 72 on weekends, with special event tickets available.

Addressing Work Rules and Future Development

• 💼 Governor Hochul addressed concerns about union work rules at the Long Island Railroad, stating that they need to be re-examined to control rising system costs.
• 🏘️ The Mayor of Beacon, Lee Keroack, thanked the Governor for investments in the Hudson Valley and mentioned a proposal to transform a parking lot at Beacon Station into over 260 homes, including workforce housing.
• 🏗️ Regarding casino proposals, Hochul stated that the process is ongoing and that community input is crucial, assuring that there are still strong interests and opportunities for negotiation.