Governor Cuomo Announces Train Service to the State Fair
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that Amtrak will continue its tradition of providing train service to the Great New York State Fair, with five trains dropping passengers off daily for the 12 days of the fair, which runs from Thursday, August 21 to Monday, September 1. At the Governor’s urging, Amtrak and CSX Corporation reached an agreement Monday to continue the service.
“The 2014 State Fair will be an unparalleled opportunity to experience some of the best agricultural products and entertainment that New York has to offer, and this train service will be a convenient and affordable travel option for visitors from all over,” Governor Cuomo said. “I am pleased we were able to work with Amtrak and CSX to make this service possible, and I encourage all New Yorkers – by train, car or plane – to visit the State Fair this year.”
The Governor intervened during negotiations over providing train service to the Fair, which were particularly difficult this year because CSX freight traffic has increased on the Empire Corridor west, already its busiest corridor in the nation. Because Amtrak passenger trains travel on CSX tracks, it makes adding an additional stop for Amtrak trains a dispatching challenge. Amtrak wanted to assure that its passenger trains would not be unduly delayed by the addition of the Fair stop. The Governor’s intervention helped resolve the impasse.
The Fair, which is themed "Summer's Best in Show," has a train stop on the fairgrounds at Gate 11, just outside the Horticulture building entrance.
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Joan McDonald said, “Governor Andrew Cuomo knows how important a robust transportation system is for mobility and a robust economy. Train service to the Great New York State Fair helps ensure that this great summer tradition is available to everyone.”
The following trains will be serving the New York State Fair:
Daily Service
Train 284 Empire Service Eastbound 9:32 a.m.
Train 63 Maple Leaf Westbound 12:50 p.m.
Train 64 Maple Leaf Eastbound 3:15 p.m
Train 281 Empire Service Westbound 3:52 p.m
Train 283 Empire Service Westbound 6:59 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 24, and Monday, Sept. 1, only
Train 288 Empire Service Eastbound 5:44 p.m.
For reservations or information, visit Amtrak.com or call 1-800 USA-RAIL.