(The following article by Eric Anderson was posted on the Albany Times-Union website on November 15.)
RENSSELAER, N.Y. — Amtrak is turning to Subway Restaurants to bring back food service on the dozen or so trains that lost it last summer in a cost-cutting move.
The new arrangement is a four-month trial that will begin on Thursday with one daily train each way, expanding over time to all trains that run exclusively between Albany-Rensselaer and New York City.
Subway workers will operate from the train’s cafe car and also will walk through the train offering at-seat order-taking and delivery. Food items include Subway’s sandwiches plus breakfast items, soups, pizza, salads and beverages.
Subway won’t be on board those trains that operate beyond Albany and already have Amtrak food service cars.
Subway will pay Amtrak a portion of gross receipts, the railroad said. If all goes well, Amtrak said it may seek competitive bids next year to make the service permanent.
At first, beer and wine won’t be available. But Amtrak officials said they’re working to get those on board at some point, too.
The Empire State Passengers Association, a rail advocacy organization, welcomed the news.
“ESPA is very pleased by this announcement,” said President Bruce Becker. “We hope the trial period will be successful.”