Amtrak issues warning over MTA's threat to withhold funds

<p>Amtrak sent a warning Wednesday that Long Island Rail Road riders would be the ones paying the price if the MTA withholds funds to Amtrak because of this summer's track repairs at Penn Station.</p>

News 12 Staff

Jun 21, 2017, 10:12 PM

Updated 2,509 days ago

Share:

Amtrak sent a warning Wednesday that Long Island Rail Road riders would be the ones paying the price if the MTA withholds funds to Amtrak because of this summer's track repairs at Penn Station.
The MTA board met today, one day after the LIRR announced it will reduce fares an average of 25 percent for riders forced to take diverted trains. 
While at the meeting, officials with the MTA received a letter sent by Amtrak in response to public threats from Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the MTA to withhold rent payments.
"Amtrak believes such action is in clear violation of our agreements with LIRR and that the LIRR has no basis to seek compensation for such costs from Amtrak," the letter reads. 
Amtrak currently owns and operates Penn Station.
Last week, the MTA unveiled its plan to account for the repair work in July and August, which will force 20 percent of peak LIRR trains to be canceled both into and out of Penn Station. It includes express buses from eight park-and-ride locations on Long Island and a ferry service from Glen Cove to the East Side.
In the letter, it says the MTA shouldn't recover these costs from Amtrak. 
MTA board members say the only way they can cover the cost of the planned increased services this summer is by reducing some of those services or raising fares.
 


More from News 12
0:38
Teen accused of driving stolen car while high, causing fatal crash in Centereach

Teen accused of driving stolen car while high, causing fatal crash in Centereach

2:09
Steady rain, chilly Sunday on Long Island; warmer start to workweek

Steady rain, chilly Sunday on Long Island; warmer start to workweek

0:27
Nassau police: 6 injured in shooting at Westbury home

Nassau police: 6 injured in shooting at Westbury home

0:21
State police: 32-year-old man killed in Wantagh Parkway crash

State police: 32-year-old man killed in Wantagh Parkway crash

0:45
Fire breaks out at Plainview storage facility

Fire breaks out at Plainview storage facility

1:50
‘No one is helping.’ Freeport tenants say complaints about fire alarm are falling on deaf ears

‘No one is helping.’ Freeport tenants say complaints about fire alarm are falling on deaf ears

0:46
Teachers participate at 15th annual 'GC for a Cure' 5K Run and Walk in memory of late educator

Teachers participate at 15th annual 'GC for a Cure' 5K Run and Walk in memory of late educator

0:53
Prosecutors: Queens man stole used cooking oil from 16 restaurants

Prosecutors: Queens man stole used cooking oil from 16 restaurants

0:28
Sag Harbor teen charged with DWI following crash into tree

Sag Harbor teen charged with DWI following crash into tree

2:15
Meeting held over next steps for cleanup at Bethpage Community Park

Meeting held over next steps for cleanup at Bethpage Community Park

1:32
Knowing the early warning signs during Stroke Awareness Month

Knowing the early warning signs during Stroke Awareness Month

0:38
Sam Ash Music announces closure of all store locations

Sam Ash Music announces closure of all store locations

1:39
Runners are lacing up for the Long Island Marathon Sunday. Click here to see which roads will close to traffic

Runners are lacing up for the Long Island Marathon Sunday. Click here to see which roads will close to traffic

1:58
Kids get up-close-and personal tour of Suffolk police headquarters during Police Week

Kids get up-close-and personal tour of Suffolk police headquarters during Police Week

2:15
EXCLUSIVE: Gov. Hochul talks retail theft, bail reform during visit to Lindenhurst

EXCLUSIVE: Gov. Hochul talks retail theft, bail reform during visit to Lindenhurst

1:56
JAC Shack gives BOCES students chance to work at restaurant

JAC Shack gives BOCES students chance to work at restaurant

2:39
Deer Park man heads to Washington DC to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease

Deer Park man heads to Washington DC to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease

0:20
Police: 13-year-old robbed at knifepoint on soccer field of Turtle Hook Middle School

Police: 13-year-old robbed at knifepoint on soccer field of Turtle Hook Middle School

0:25
Garbage truck driver indicted for 2023 fatal crash in Hauppauge

Garbage truck driver indicted for 2023 fatal crash in Hauppauge

10 organizations to donate to in support of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities

10 organizations to donate to in support of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities