Amtrak's planned work at Penn Station this summer is expected to affect commuters at peak travel times.
The news, announced at an MTA hearing Monday, comes as frustrated LIRR commuters have dealt with dizzying delays and disruptions from a spate of Amtrak incidents over the past several months.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo wrote a letter to President Donald Trump this weekend, asking for federal funding and calling the Penn Station troubles an emergency situation. He wrote, "While this is not a hurricane or flood, it will affect as many people and businesses with dire consequences. Like a natural disaster, we didn't create it, but our public offices require we address it."
Cuomo's letter notes that Amtrak is under federal control and says it is underfunded. He warns of a "domino effect" from a 20 percent reduction in peak service due to the planned work.
The MTA said at Monday's meeting that it wants to offer service alternatives to customers as the work is underway, but the details are still being planned out.
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