NYC Metro-North Launches Faster Hudson Valley Service
Metro-North launches Super-Express service October 6, cutting Poughkeepsie commute by 15 minutes
Metro-North Adds Express Service to Poughkeepsie
Metro-North Railroad's launching Super-Express service between Poughkeepsie and Grand Central Terminal on October 6, one week ahead of schedule, Governor Kathy Hochul announced Tuesday. The new service cuts travel time by approximately 15 minutes by making just five stops instead of the usual 14, officials said. Four daily Super-Express trips will serve Hudson Valley commuters traveling to Manhattan.
Service Designed for Long-Distance Commuters
The Super-Express service targets riders traveling from the northern Hudson Valley, where Poughkeepsie sits approximately 75 miles from Manhattan. Metro-North is the second-largest commuter railroad in North America, serving 86.8 million passengers annually before the pandemic. Express service with limited stops is common practice on longer commuter rail routes nationwide, helping agencies compete with driving for distant suburban commuters. The MTA hasn't released ridership projections for the new service.
Limited Stops Cut Travel Time Significantly
Super-Express trains will stop at only five stations: Poughkeepsie, Beacon, Cold Spring, Garrison, Croton-Harmon, and Grand Central Terminal, according to Janno Lieber, MTA Chair and CEO. Regular Hudson Line service makes 14 stops between Poughkeepsie and Grand Central. "The early launch of Super-Express service demonstrates our commitment to providing faster, more reliable service for our customers," Lieber told reporters. Specific departure and arrival times will be available closer to the October 6 launch date.
Early Launch Moved Up One Week
The service was originally scheduled to begin October 13, but Metro-North moved the launch forward after completing preparations ahead of schedule. "Our teams have worked incredibly hard to make this early launch possible," said Catherine Rinaldi, Metro-North Railroad President. The MTA hasn't disclosed the cost of implementing the Super-Express service or whether it'll require premium fares beyond standard Metro-North pricing.
Faster Commutes for Hudson Valley Riders
The 15-minute time savings will benefit thousands of daily commuters traveling between the Hudson Valley and Manhattan, officials said. "We're delivering for Hudson Valley commuters by launching this new Super-Express service a week early," Governor Hochul said. Riders can check Moovit for real-time Metro-North schedules and service updates as the October 6 launch approaches.
