Some Empire Service Switched to Grand Central Station
Jul 4, 2017, 9:52 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Brooklyn
Programs: Bolt Bus Rewards
Posts: 1,283
Some Empire Service Switched to Grand Central Station
Due to the track reconstruction at New York's Penn Station, Amtrak has switched 6 Empire Service trains (3 departures, 3 arrivals) to Grand Central Terminal from July 10 - September 1, 2017.
The affected trains are #'s 230, 233, 235, 236, 239, and 242.
There is more info from Amtrak at:
https://www.amtrak.com/servlet/Conte...=1251653727006
The affected trains are #'s 230, 233, 235, 236, 239, and 242.
There is more info from Amtrak at:
https://www.amtrak.com/servlet/Conte...=1251653727006
Jul 5, 2017, 7:44 am
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: n.y.c.
Posts: 13,988
The problem with the website is that people who are used to searching for Empire Service trains out of NYP aren't told that they should be looking for service out of NYG.
The message says, in the usual unhelpful PR-speak:
Something better would be:
Either that, or Amtrak could add a NYC - All Stations option to the selection list.
The message says, in the usual unhelpful PR-speak:
Infrastructure Renewal at New York Penn Station: Work is underway to strengthen railroad infrastructure and improve operations and preparedness at New York Penn Station may affect your trip. See the plan and get the latest project updates at Amtrak.com/NYPrenewal.
You're not seeing the usual schedule of Empire Service trains. This because some Empire Service will be moved to Grand Central Terminal. Try searching for trains to/from Grand Central (NYG rather then NYP) to see additional service options.
Jul 5, 2017, 1:02 pm
#6
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 468
Jul 5, 2017, 2:18 pm
#7
Join Date: Apr 2015
Programs: United Global Services, Amtrak Select Executive
Posts: 4,098
Just bought a RT to Yonkers departing NYG on train 235 on 7/19, returning same day on train 242. Anybody got ideas for something to do in Yonkers for an hour or so right near the train station?
Jul 5, 2017, 6:32 pm
#8
Join Date: Dec 2008
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IME, most people either use mobile tickets or print at home.
Grab the next Metro North train which will take you back to... wait for it... Grand Central? 
Jul 5, 2017, 7:51 pm
#9
Join Date: May 2010
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 6
the PDF schedule shows a QuickTrak machine at Grand Central, though I don't know if I'd rely on it actually existing.
Jul 6, 2017, 7:40 am
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2000
Programs: UA Million Miler (lite). NY Metro area.
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Amtrak $34 R/T value
Metro North $22 peak R/T
Metro North off peak $16.50 R/T
Senior $11 R/T
editorial comment
Last edited by dhammer53; Jul 6, 2017 at 7:47 am
Jul 6, 2017, 6:19 pm
#11
Join Date: Apr 2015
Programs: United Global Services, Amtrak Select Executive
Posts: 4,098
Jul 7, 2017, 7:25 am
#13
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 468
van cortlandt park is close enough and you can take the subway back home if you got your amtrak fill on the outbound.
Jul 21, 2017, 4:49 am
#14
Join Date: Apr 2015
Programs: United Global Services, Amtrak Select Executive
Posts: 4,098
So I ended up on Train #235 yesterday NYG-YNY. Instead of waiting several hours for the next Amtrak, I just got on the next Metro North train back to GCT, so spent less than fifteen minutes in Yonkers. It was a very cool experience to board Amtrak in GCT and to see Park Avenue heading north! I was in business class, which was one half of the cafe car. Weirdly, there was no cafe service at all.