(The following article by Eric Anderson was posted on the Albany Times-Union website on November 28.)
RENSSELAER, N.Y. — The trial was to have lasted four months. But Subway food service on Amtrak trains between Rensselaer and New York City was gone in less than a week.
Amtrak officials on Monday confirmed that Subway “has temporarily suspended its participation” in a pilot program that restored food service on trains running exclusively between here and New York City. But a spokesman for the passenger rail company added that “Amtrak is committed to continuing the food service pilot in order to enhance overall customer service.”
Amtrak officials wouldn’t comment on the reasons for the sudden termination, and Subway officials could not be reached for comment.
The service started Nov. 17 and ended Nov. 23, said Amtrak spokesman Cliff Black.
He declined to say whether Amtrak is seeking another operator to replace Subway. The food service was provided by local franchisees, which he didn’t identify.
Subway workers operated from the train’s cafe car and also walked through the train offering at-seat order-taking and delivery. Food items included Subway’s sandwiches plus breakfast items, soups, pizza, salads and beverages.
Under the agreement, Subway was to have paid Amtrak a portion of gross receipts, the railroad said. If the project succeeded, Amtrak had said it planned to seek competitive bids next year to make the service permanent.
Amtrak officials were working to get the necessary permits so that Subway could serve beer and wine on the trains as well.
Black also declined to say whether union members had objected to the subcontracting of work that formerly was provided by unionized employees.
Efforts to reach union officials for comment were unsuccessful Monday.
Amtrak ended its own food service aboard the trains in July, estimating it would save $1 million a year.
Bruce Becker, president of the Empire State Passengers Association, said the rail advocacy group was disappointed by Subway’s suspension. “We certainly hope Subway and Amtrak will work out any concerns and that the trial will continue,” he said.