Hochul Pitches Massive Rail System Upgrade For Hudson Valley

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Gov. Hochul has proposed a historic investment in Hudson Valley rail service as part of the 2025 State of the State address.

Hochul unveiled the plan that promises to increase capacity, reduce delays, improve safety and cut potential travel times by up to 15 minutes each way for certain trips. The ambitious proposal would also shorten "super-express" Metro-North Hudson Line trips to less than 90 minutes.

The proposal includes planning, evaluation and design for a slew of rail infrastructure capital improvements between New York City and Poughkeepsie, including projects such as a second track at Spuyten Duyvil, interlocking, signaling and trackwork at Croton Harmon, and capacity improvements at Poughkeepsie Yard.

"Hudson Valley commuters deserve fast, high quality rail service they can count on, and the investments I am proposing we make today will drive transformational change for generations to come," Hochul said in her address. "Over the coming years, these much-needed infrastructure improvements will allow us to modernize our rail system, increase connectivity, reduce travel time and strengthen economic connections across the region. With these proposals, we are laying the groundwork to deliver faster and more reliable rail service for suburban and rural commuters across the Hudson Valley and beyond."

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority will also begin a signaling redesign near Yonkers and climate resilience investments in the most vulnerable and highest ridership segments of the Hudson Line.

"Weather-related events in recent years have shown the importance of climate resiliency on the Hudson Line, and we are thrilled by these upgrades which will enable continuing reliability of Metro-North service for the Hudson Valley," MTA Metro-North Railroad President Catherine Rinaldi said. "I greatly appreciate Governor Hochul’s support for these improvements, which will support the economy of the Hudson Valley."

The proposal will allow the MTA to evaluate and design other potential rail improvements, including adding a third track to the Metro-North Harlem Line or connecting Hudson Line service to Penn Station.

In partnership with NYSDOT, the MTA will also establish a regional rail working group with New Jersey, Connecticut and rail partners, to promote better coordination on interoperability, ticketing, schedules and customer service. This group will also develop plans to make travel by Metro-North or Long Island Railroad to MetLife Stadium as seamless as possible for the 2026 World Cup.

Hochul said she believes even more can be done to enhance service and deliver for riders on both sides of the Hudson River. Building off a pilot program to enhance the reach of Metro-North west of the Hudson River with ticketing, ferry and parking incentives, New York will also conduct a wide reaching transit analysis. That analysis will include a major employer and destination review in Orange County, according to the governor, exploring options like shuttle bus service timed with Port Jervis Line trains to attractions like Woodbury Commons, Legoland, Storm King, the Renaissance Fair and Stewart Airport.

The governor's proposals are already being received favorable by leaders in the Hudson Valley.

"I'm excited to hear that Governor Hochul wants to invest in the Hudson Valley rail service between Poughkeepsie and New York City," Poughkeepsie Mayor Yvonne Flowers said, "The Governor's commitment to improve the connection between the City of Poughkeepsie and New York City means more opportunities for our residents, stronger support for our local businesses, and a safer and faster commute to and from NYC. This investment helps our community thrive and stay connected in ways that matter."

White Plains Mayor Thomas Roach said the move is especially important to his constituents.

“Investment in the Metro North system is vital to our state’s economy. Reliable, quality, rail transit benefits our residents, businesses and the environment," Roach explained. "Governor Hochul’s continued commitment to providing the resources necessary is essential and greatly appreciated."

Beacon Mayor Lee Kyriacou said the proposals could connect Hudson Valley communities in ways that she used to dream about.

"Thank you Governor Hochul for proposing these major rail investments along the Hudson Line — which improve the communities and day-to-day lives of so many of us in the Hudson Valley," Kyriacou said. "As a Beacon to New York City commuter for more than thirty years — and a rider on the 'super-express' peak hour trains to Beacon — I know first hand the importance of frequent and fast rail service, which allows so many to earn a living at work and enjoy family life at home."