Amtrak returns to North Country

TICONDEROGA | It was a windy afternoon Monday, April 3, as spectators huddled in the small train station near the Fort Ticonderoga entrance. At 2:11 p.m., the storybook sound of a train whistle hitched a ride on the breeze and announced the blue and red locomotive's arrival for the first time in over three years. The Adirondack Amtrak is back. "Families throughout Upstate New York and the North Country rely on the Adirondack Line for transportation, and it serves a significant economic driver, connecting tourists and our Canadian neighbors to our region," said Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, who has been an ardent champion in getting the line back up and running. In July, after Amtrak resumed its Maple Leaf Line from New York City to Toronto, Stefanik publicly called for Amtrak to restore the Adirondack Line. On March 10 Stefanik announced the Adirondack Line would resume service on April 3. "Today's reopening is a long-awaited and welcome development," said Sen. Dan Stec. "With service resuming, our region is finally able to fully move forward from the pandemic and get our economy back on track." The Adirondack Line runs from Albany to Montreal and includes stops in Plattsburgh, Whitehall, Ticonderoga, Rensselaer, Port Henry, and Rouses Point. It has been closed since the onset of the pandemic. "Whether it is the pristine landscapes of the Hudson Valley, the waters of Lake Champlain, or the picturesque downtowns of so many North Country communities, the Amtrak Adirondack Line helps residents, businesses, and tourists connect to some of the most beautiful parts of the Empire State," said U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. The rail connection is of vital importance to North County communities, its absence keenly felt the past three years. With the return of Amtrak to the Adirondacks, it's as though life has really returned to normal, with many feeling the line was the one significant piece that was missing from the equation. "This rail connection is of great economic importance to Ticonderoga and the region and remains a key transportation artery joining our highway system, Ticonderoga Municipal Airport, and the Fort Ticonderoga Ferry across Lake Champlain to provide access to our area," said Ticonderoga Town Supervisor Mark Wright. With train stops that include Ti, Port Henry and Westport, those invested in the economic development of the area are full of jubilation at the return of the train's familiar presence in their towns. "This is great news for our community! The Port Henry Station is the oldest on the entire line, and also on the Historic Register," said Moriah Town Supervisor Tom Scozzafava. "This station is very busy year-round and it will be great to reopen once again." The resuming of the Adirondack Line will commence the return of visitors all over the country, the vital mode of transportation that was introduced to the United States in the very early 19th century still a strong force to be reckoned with in 2023. "This return marks our continued positive movement forward and our bright future ahead," Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Matt Courtright said. "We encourage visitors to visit the Ticonderoga Area and enjoy one of the most scenic train rides in the world." Visit amtrak.com to book your next New York State adventure.

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Amtrak returns to North Country

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