Metro-North Railroad today announced new train schedules taking effect on Sunday, March 27, are now available online. The schedule changes include the addition of 66 weekday trains to Metro-North's three East of Hudson lines. The addition of more weekday trains brings the railroad’s weekday service to 89% of its pre-pandemic levels and restores pre-pandemic express service at several stations. Customers can begin planning their trips on new.mta.info and use the new fare calculator feature to find the best trip and ticket option.
The upcoming increase in weekday service follows the rollout of new fare discounts on the railroad, including a new 20-trip ticket. The 20-trip offers 20 percent off comparable 20-peak one-way fares when purchased through MTA eTix or at a ticket window and are valid for 60 days. Since the rollout, more than 250,000 rides have been purchased with 20-trip tickets.
“As more customers continue to return to Metro-North this spring, we are thrilled to be able to offer more service on weekdays, including the restoration of many express trains,” said Metro-North Railroad President Catherine Rinaldi. “The increase in service comes at a time when we have rolled out new fare discounts designed to welcome back more riders. For those who are returning to the office on a hybrid schedule or looking to travel with friends on the weekends and are not sure which ticket to choose, the new fare calculator feature can help find them find the best deal.”
Guided by Metro-North’s Way Ahead – Moving Forward strategic plan, the improvements shorten peak-period travel times for many customers. In addition, these service adjustments will provide additional seating capacity.
Also reflected in the March schedule update is the return of the “Yankee Clipper” trains, special game-day trains which provide direct service to Yankees/E 153rd St Station for all New York Yankees home games. Yankee Clipper trains will be restored on all three East of Hudson lines, as well as shuttle trains between Grand Central Terminal (GCT), Harlem/125th St, and Yankees/E 153rd St Station and additional stops on Hudson Line trains on each game day.
The following changes will be made to each line:
Hudson Line
Hudson Line weekday service will increase from 142 trains to 156 trains, with additional trains being added between GCT, Croton-Harmon and Poughkeepsie.
Service to the Breakneck Ridge station will resume in the spring once safety enhancements are completed at the station.
Harlem Line
Harlem Line weekday service will increase from 190 trains to 208 trains with additional trains between GCT, White Plains and Southeast.
New Haven Line
New Haven Line weekday service will increase from 244 trains to 278 trains with additional trains between GCT, Stamford and New Haven.
Metro-North's last schedule change was in August 2021 when service increased to 82% of pre-pandemic levels.