ALBANY, N.Y. — Amtrak’s state-subsidized run through the North Country, considered one of the world’s most scenic passenger rail rides, could get derailed over a funding dispute between New York and the national train conglomerate, the Plattsburgh Press-Republican reported.
The state and Amtrak are amidst what’s become a bitter public battle over funding, with Amtrak asking for double the state’s cash commitment to keep the money-losing run from New York City to Montreal going, state officials said.
Amtrak officials also said they need more from the state to help subsidize its more routine runs from New York City to Albany and Buffalo, all of which have been losing money.
“What we recognize is the current structure … is not sustainable,” said Amtrak spokesman Dan Stessel. “The dispute actually goes a little bit deeper than just the Adirondack.”
State officials agree it goes deeper, straight to promises the railroad has made to improve service all across the state but so far has not honored.
For example, two weeks ago Amtrak balked at agreeing to put new high-speed turboliner trains the state built and paid for into service between New York and Buffalo.
They’ve also failed to make promised track and station improvements, said State Transportation Commissioner Joseph Boardman.
“Amtrak’s actions call into question Amtrak’s commitment to deliver a quality passenger service to New Yorkers,” Boardman wrote to the railroad’s chairman last week.
Stessel stressed the bottom line is that New York — and other states — are going to have to start coming up with more cash to keep the money-losing train routes moving.
This year is not the first time Amtrak’s Adirondack has been threatened with the budget ax. But what is different is the tone of the demands from both sides and a looming state deficit, which could hit $10 billion. Amtrak already relies on federal funding to keep most of its route running. The company has recently threatened shutting many of its long-haul routes unless more subsidies could be promised. Boardman, in his letter, said the state couldn’t support what he saw as a “fundamental change in the long-standing federal and states roles and responsibilities in how intercity passenger rail services are funded.”
Last year, the state subsidized the Adirondack line to the tune of $2 million, said transportation spokeswoman Melissa Carlson.
The state also paid $52 million so far in getting the high-speed rail service off the ground. Amtrak previously agreed to pay half.
“They’ve paid nothing yet, and now they are questioning putting them (the state-owned turboliners) into service,” said Carlson.
Stessel said the Adirondack’s operating deficit was more than $4 million. The run between New York City and Buffalo lost about $35 million last year.