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{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2023}}
{{Short description|Train station in New York State, US}}
{{Short description|Train station in New York State, US}}
{{for|the station in Indiana|Rensselaer station}}
{{for|the station in Indiana|Rensselaer station}}
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| parking = 512 spaces<ref name=cdta/>
| parking = 512 spaces<ref name=cdta/>
| code = {{Amtrak code|ALB}}
| code = {{Amtrak code|ALB}}
| iata = ZLY
| opened = December 29, 1968<ref>{{cite news |title=Penn-Central to Open New Rensselaer Station Dec. 29 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33185748/penn_central_station_december_20_1968/ |access-date=June 23, 2019 |work=The Times-Record |date=December 20, 1968 |location=[[Troy, New York]] |page=3|via=Newspapers.com}} {{open access}}</ref>
| opened = December 29, 1968<ref>{{cite news |title=Penn-Central to Open New Rensselaer Station Dec. 29 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33185748/penn_central_station_december_20_1968/ |access-date=June 23, 2019 |work=The Times-Record |date=December 20, 1968 |location=[[Troy, New York]] |page=3|via=Newspapers.com}} {{open access}}</ref>
| rebuilt = June&nbsp;2, 1999&ndash;September 22, 2002<ref name=cdta/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Holland |first1=Jesse J. |title=New Digs |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/63282935/albany-rennselaer-station-june-3-1999/ |access-date=November 14, 2020 |work=The Post-Star |date=June 3, 1999 |location=Glens Falls, New York |page=A5|via=Newspapers.com}} {{open access}}</ref>
| rebuilt = June&nbsp;2, 1999&ndash;September 22, 2002<ref name=cdta/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Holland |first1=Jesse J. |title=New Digs |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/63282935/albany-rennselaer-station-june-3-1999/ |access-date=November 14, 2020 |work=The Post-Star |date=June 3, 1999 |location=Glens Falls, New York |page=A5|via=Newspapers.com}} {{open access}}</ref>
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'''Rensselaer Rail Station''',<ref name=cdta/> signed as '''Albany–Rensselaer''' on its platforms, is a train station in [[Rensselaer, New York]], located {{convert|1.5|miles}} from downtown [[Albany, New York|Albany]] across the [[Hudson River]].<ref name=cdta>{{cite web |url=http://www.cdta.org/rail-stations/84 |title=Rail Stations |publisher=[[Capital District Transportation Authority]] |access-date=January 21, 2017}}</ref> Operated by the [[Capital District Transportation Authority]], it serves as [[Amtrak]]'s primary station for the [[Capital District, New York|Capital District]]. To emphasize the station's location across the river from Albany, as well as to distinguish from the [[Rensselaer station]] in Indiana, Amtrak refers to the station as "Albany–Rensselaer."
'''Albany–Rensselaer station''', formally the '''Joseph L. Bruno Rail Station''', is a train station in [[Rensselaer, New York]], located {{convert|1.5|miles}} from downtown [[Albany, New York|Albany]] across the [[Hudson River]].<ref name=cdta>{{cite web |url=http://www.cdta.org/rail-stations/84 |title=Rail Stations |publisher=[[Capital District Transportation Authority]] |access-date=August 5, 2024}}</ref> Operated by the [[Capital District Transportation Authority]], it serves as [[Amtrak]]'s primary station for the [[Capital District, New York|Capital District]]. The station is served by Amtrak's [[Empire Corridor]] routes – {{lnl|Amtrak|Adirondack}}, {{lnl|Amtrak|Berkshire Flyer}}, {{lnl|Amtrak|Empire Service}}, {{lnl|Amtrak|Ethan Allen Express}}, {{lnl|Amtrak|Lake Shore Limited}}, and {{lnl|Amtrak|Maple Leaf}}.


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==Station design and services==
It is served by Amtrak's [[Empire Corridor]] routes, including the ''[[Lake Shore Limited]]'', whose [[South Station (Boston)|Boston]] and [[Pennsylvania Station (New York City)|New York]] sections diverge at the station.
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[[File:Albany-Rensselaer Rail Station - Downtown Skyline From Station 01.jpg|thumb|left|Two Amtrak trains at Albany–Rensselaer station, as viewed from the parking deck over the platforms]]
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The two floor station features a large main lobby that contains a coffee shop, a newsstand, and a [[United States Postal Service|post office]]. Trains call at two high-level island platforms serving two tracks in each direction. The platforms are connected to the main building by an aerial walkway that is accessed by stairs, escalator and elevator.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.timesunion.com/business/article/Rensselaer-Amtrak-station-gets-new-escalators-11248389.php|title=Rensselaer Amtrak station gets new escalators|first=Eric|last=Anderson|date=2017-06-26|newspaper=Times Union|location=Albany, New York|access-date=2019-03-26}}</ref> Each {{convert|605|ft|m|adj=on}} platform can accommodate up to 7 [[Amfleet]] cars, not including an engine.{{citation needed|date=August 2024}}


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The station is served by multiple daily round trips of the {{lnl|Amtrak|Empire Service}}, most of which terminate at Albany–Rensselaer. It is also served by the daily round trips of the {{lnl|Amtrak|Adirondack}}, {{lnl|Amtrak|Ethan Allen Express}}, {{lnl|Amtrak|Lake Shore Limited}}, and {{lnl|Amtrak|Maple Leaf}}, plus the seasonal {{lnl|Amtrak|Berkshire Flyer}}. Albany–Rensselaer is the junction point between the New York City and Boston sections of the ''Lake Shore Limited''. Most trains continuing south of Albany swap their engines there. Diesel GE [[GE Genesis#P42DC|P42DC]] locomotives are usually used on routes north and west of Albany, while [[electro-diesel locomotive|dual mode]] [[GE Genesis#P32AC-DM|P32AC-DM]] locomotives are used south of Albany because diesel locomotives are not permitted in Penn Station. The P42DC is readied for a train coming northbound from New York City.{{citation needed|date=August 2024}} In the late 2020s and early 2030s, the corridor routes will receive [[Amtrak Airo]] trainsets, which will eliminate the need for most engine changes at Albany–Rensselaer.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 15, 2022 |title=Introducing Our New Trains: Amtrak Airo |url=https://www.amtrak.com/amtrak-airo |access-date=December 15, 2022 |website=Amtrak |language=en}}</ref><ref name="2022 Asset Line Plan">{{Cite web |title=Amtrak FY 2022–2027 Asset Line Plan |url=https://www.amtrak.com/content/dam/projects/dotcom/english/public/documents/corporate/businessplanning/Amtrak-Service-Asset-Line-Plans-FY22-27.pdf |access-date=April 11, 2022 |website=[[Amtrak]] |page=132}}</ref>
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{{As of|2020}} it was Amtrak's ninth-busiest station, as well as the busiest to serve a metro area with a population smaller than 2 million–<ref name="NY18">{{cite web |url=https://www.amtrak.com/content/dam/projects/dotcom/english/public/documents/corporate/nationalfactsheets/Amtrak-Company-Profile-FY2020-041921.pdf |title=2020 Corporate Profile|publisher=Amtrak |date=April 2021 |access-date=September 18, 2021}}</ref> a distinction it has held since at least 2010.<ref name="tu2">{{cite news |title=High-Speed Rail Chugs Toward the Fast Lane|first=Eric|last=Anderson|url=http://www.timesunion.com/business/article/High-speed-rail-chugs-toward-the-fast-lane-724853.php|newspaper=[[Times Union (Albany)|Times Union]]|location=Albany, New York|date=October 27, 2010|access-date=November 13, 2010}}</ref> This is primarily due to the large number of passengers who commute to and from [[New York City]].

The station is also served by [[Megabus (United States)|Megabus]] and [[Vermont Translines]] intercity bus routes and by [[Capital District Transportation Authority]] local bus service.{{citation needed|date=August 2024}}
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{{clear left}}


==History==
==History==
[[File:Penn Central E8A 4036 with Empire Service train 71 arriving at Albany-Rensselaer station, February 22, 1970.jpg|thumb|left|A Penn Central ''Empire Service'' train arriving at Albany-Rensselaer in 1970]]
[[File:Penn Central E8A 4036 with Empire Service train 71 arriving at Albany-Rensselaer station, February 22, 1970.jpg|thumb|left|A Penn Central ''Empire Service'' train arriving at Albany-Rensselaer in 1970]]
The first station at Albany–Rensselaer was built by [[Penn Central]] in 1968 to replace [[Albany Union Station]] due to the construction of [[Interstate 787]]. It was replaced in 1980 at the same site.<ref name="tu2"/> The 1968 building was torn down in order to expand the station's parking facility. The current structure was completed in September 2002 and opened on September 22.<ref name="tu1"/> It was designed by the [[Schenectady, New York|Schenectady]] architecture firm Stracher–Roth Gilmore and the [[New York City|New York]] firm Vollmer Associates, with Ryan-Biggs of [[Troy, New York|Troy]] providing structural engineering, Sage/Engineering Associates providing MEP engineering services, Erdman Anthony of Troy providing facilities engineering, and constructed by U. W. Marx/Bovis joint venture.<ref>{{cite web |title=2002 Award of Merit: Transit Project|url=http://newyork.construction.com/projects/02_BestOf/02_AwdMeritTran_Ren.asp|work=[[Engineering News-Record]]|publisher=[[McGraw-Hill]]|date=December 1, 2002|access-date=January 1, 2013}}</ref>
The present station is the third on the site. The first station was built in 1968, and the second in 1980.<ref name="tu2"/> Before 1968, trains stopped at [[Albany Union Station|Union Station]] in Albany. That building, located on Broadway, now houses the northeast headquarters of [[Bank of America]] (via predecessors [[FleetBoston Financial|Fleet Bank]] and [[Norstar Bank]]). The [[New York Central]] Railroad had plans to leave Albany, in part because [[Interstate 787]] needed the space occupied by a rail yard, but the move took place under [[Penn Central]]'s watch.


The 1968 building was torn down in order to expand the station's parking facility. The current structure was completed in September 2002 and opened on September 22.<ref name="tu1"/> It was designed by the [[Schenectady, New York|Schenectady]] architecture firm Stracher–Roth Gilmore and the [[New York City|New York]] firm Vollmer Associates, with Ryan-Biggs of [[Troy, New York|Troy]] providing structural engineering, Sage/Engineering Associates providing MEP engineering services, Erdman Anthony of Troy providing facilities engineering, and constructed by U. W. Marx/Bovis joint venture.<ref>{{cite web |title=2002 Award of Merit: Transit Project|url=http://newyork.construction.com/projects/02_BestOf/02_AwdMeritTran_Ren.asp|work=[[Engineering News-Record]]|publisher=[[McGraw-Hill]]|date=December 1, 2002|access-date=January 1, 2013}}</ref> The station was originally intended to have four tracks, but was built with only three due to cost concerns, leaving the station with fewer than preferable tracks.<ref name="tu1"/> In October 2008, it was announced that a fourth track would be built after the two previous terminal buildings were demolished; a contract for that work was assigned at the same time.<ref name="tu1"/> Design work was proceeding on the fourth track as of February 2010, but actual construction was placed on hold pending resolution of funding issues and demolition of the two terminal buildings to the north.<ref name="tu1">{{cite news |title=Train Late? Old Stations Derail New Track|first=Cathy|last=Woodruff|url=http://blog.timesunion.com/advocate/train-late-old-stations-derail-new-track/2183/|newspaper=Times Union|location=Albany, New York|date=February 14, 2010|access-date=March 5, 2010}}</ref>
The station was originally intended to have four tracks, but was built with only three due to cost concerns, leaving the station with fewer than preferable tracks.<ref name="tu1"/> In October 2008, it was announced that a fourth track would be built after the two previous terminal buildings were demolished; a contract for that work was assigned at the same time.<ref name="tu1"/> Design work was proceeding on the fourth track as of February 2010, but actual construction was placed on hold pending resolution of funding issues and demolition of the two terminal buildings to the north.<ref name="tu1">{{cite news |title=Train Late? Old Stations Derail New Track|first=Cathy|last=Woodruff|url=http://blog.timesunion.com/advocate/train-late-old-stations-derail-new-track/2183/|newspaper=Times Union|location=Albany, New York|date=February 14, 2010|access-date=March 5, 2010}}</ref> On October 27, 2010, demolition of the two other buildings began.<ref name="tu2"/> In a December 4, 2012 press release, Amtrak indicated that installation of the fourth track would begin in 2013,<ref>{{cite press release |title=Governor Cuomo Announces Hudson Rail Lease – Amtrak/CSX Deal Will Improve Passenger Service, Move Projects Forward|date=December 4, 2012|publisher=[[Amtrak]]|location=[[Albany, New York]]|url=http://www.amtrak.com/ccurl/13/26/Amtrak-CSX-Hudson-Line-Release-ATK-12-126.pdf|format=PDF|access-date=December 5, 2012}}</ref> and the project was completed in March 2016.<ref>{{cite news|title=Fourth Track Opens At Station|first=Eric|last=Anderson|url=http://www.timesunion.com/business/article/Fourth-track-opens-at-station-6875811.php|newspaper=Times Union|location=Albany, New York|date=March 7, 2016|access-date=July 31, 2016}}</ref>


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By 2020, it was Amtrak's ninth-busiest station, as well as the busiest to serve a metro area with a population smaller than 2 million,<ref name="NY18">{{cite web |url=https://www.amtrak.com/content/dam/projects/dotcom/english/public/documents/corporate/nationalfactsheets/Amtrak-Company-Profile-FY2020-041921.pdf |title=2020 Corporate Profile|publisher=Amtrak |date=April 2021 |access-date=September 18, 2021}}</ref> a distinction it has held since at least 2010.<ref name="tu2">{{cite news |title=High-Speed Rail Chugs Toward the Fast Lane|first=Eric|last=Anderson|url=http://www.timesunion.com/business/article/High-speed-rail-chugs-toward-the-fast-lane-724853.php|newspaper=[[Times Union (Albany)|Times Union]]|location=Albany, New York|date=October 27, 2010|access-date=November 13, 2010}}</ref> This is primarily due to the large number of passengers who commute to and from [[New York City]].{{citation needed|date=August 2024}} In March 2020, ''Adirondack'' and ''Ethan Allen Express'' service was suspended north of Albany–Rensselaer as part of a round of service reductions in response to the ongoing [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United States|coronavirus pandemic]].<ref>{{cite press release |date=2020-03-24 |title=Service Adjustments Due to Coronavirus|url=https://www.amtrak.com/alert/nec-modified-schedule.html |url-status=live |publisher=Amtrak |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200325190328/https://www.amtrak.com/alert/nec-modified-schedule.html |archive-date=2020-03-25 |access-date=2020-03-25}}</ref> ''Ethan Allen Express'' service was restored in July 2021, and ''Adirondack'' service was restored in April 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-10 |title=Amtrak Adirondack Line to resume by April |url=https://www.news10.com/news/north-country/amtrak-adirondack-line-to-resume-by-april/ |access-date=2023-04-17 |website=NEWS10 ABC |language=en-US}}</ref>
On October 27, 2010, demolition of the two other buildings began.<ref name="tu2"/> In a December 4, 2012 press release, Amtrak indicated that installation of the fourth track would begin in 2013,<ref>{{cite press release |title=Governor Cuomo Announces Hudson Rail Lease – Amtrak/CSX Deal Will Improve Passenger Service, Move Projects Forward|date=December 4, 2012|publisher=[[Amtrak]]|location=[[Albany, New York]]|url=http://www.amtrak.com/ccurl/13/26/Amtrak-CSX-Hudson-Line-Release-ATK-12-126.pdf|format=PDF|access-date=December 5, 2012}}</ref> and the project was completed in March 2016.<ref>{{cite news|title=Fourth Track Opens At Station|first=Eric|last=Anderson|url=http://www.timesunion.com/business/article/Fourth-track-opens-at-station-6875811.php|newspaper=Times Union|location=Albany, New York|date=March 7, 2016|access-date=July 31, 2016}}</ref>


The ''[[Berkshire Flyer]]'' began running on July 8, 2022, providing direct service to {{amtk|Pittsfield}} on summer weekends. The train reverses direction at Albany–Rensselaer.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Britton-Mehlisch |first1=Meg |title='Sold out' Berkshire Flyer train is rolling towards Pittsfield, after on-time departure from New York City |url=https://www.berkshireeagle.com/news/local/berkshire-flyer-first-trip-pittsfield/article_f94ff45e-fedf-11ec-b9dd-876ac23f615c.html |access-date=8 July 2022 |work=The Berkshire Eagle |location=Pittsfield, Massachusetts |date=8 July 2022 |language=en}}</ref> In October 2023, the station was formally renamed in honor of the late [[New York State Senate]] [[Majority Leader of the New York State Senate|Majority Leader]] [[Joseph Bruno]], who was instrumental in replacing the old station (which he once described as a "matchbox") with the current facility. It is one of two major public facilities in Rensselaer County named for Bruno, the other being [[Joseph L. Bruno Stadium]] in Troy.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/rennselaer-train-station-now-joseph-l-bruno-rail-18407187.php |title=Rensselaer County now has two public buildings named for Joe Bruno |newspaper=[[Times Union (Albany)|Times Union]] |author1=Lauren Stanforth |date=October 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009151147/https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/rennselaer-train-station-now-joseph-l-bruno-rail-18407187.php |archive-date=October 9, 2023}}</ref>
In March 2020, ''Adirondack'' and ''Ethan Allen Express'' service was suspended north of Albany–Rensselaer as part of a round of service reductions in response to the ongoing [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United States|coronavirus pandemic]].<ref>{{cite press release |date=2020-03-24 |title=Service Adjustments Due to Coronavirus|url=https://www.amtrak.com/alert/nec-modified-schedule.html |url-status=live |publisher=Amtrak |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200325190328/https://www.amtrak.com/alert/nec-modified-schedule.html |archive-date=2020-03-25 |access-date=2020-03-25}}</ref> ''Ethan Allen Express'' service was restored in July 2021, and ''Adirondack'' service was restored in April 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-10 |title=Amtrak Adirondack Line to resume by April |url=https://www.news10.com/news/north-country/amtrak-adirondack-line-to-resume-by-april/ |access-date=2023-04-17 |website=NEWS10 ABC |language=en-US}}</ref>

The ''[[Berkshire Flyer]]'' began running on July 8, 2022, providing direct service to {{amtk|Pittsfield}} on summer weekends. The train reverses direction at this station.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Britton-Mehlisch |first1=Meg |title='Sold out' Berkshire Flyer train is rolling towards Pittsfield, after on-time departure from New York City |url=https://www.berkshireeagle.com/news/local/berkshire-flyer-first-trip-pittsfield/article_f94ff45e-fedf-11ec-b9dd-876ac23f615c.html |access-date=8 July 2022 |work=The Berkshire Eagle |location=Pittsfield, Massachusetts |date=8 July 2022 |language=en}}</ref>


{{clear|left}}
{{clear|left}}

==Station layout==
[[File:Albany-Rensselaer Rail Station - Interior View Looking South.jpg|thumb|left|Interior of the current station.]]
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The two floor station features a large main lobby that contains a coffee shop, a newsstand, and a [[United States Postal Service|post office]]. Trains call at two high-level island platforms serving two tracks in each direction. The platforms are connected to the main building by an aerial walkway that is accessed by stairs, escalator and elevator.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.timesunion.com/business/article/Rensselaer-Amtrak-station-gets-new-escalators-11248389.php|title=Rensselaer Amtrak station gets new escalators|first=Eric|last=Anderson|date=2017-06-26|newspaper=Times Union|location=Albany, New York|access-date=2019-03-26}}</ref> Each {{convert|605|ft|m|adj=on}} platform can accommodate up to 7 [[Amfleet]] cars, not including an engine.

[[File:Albany-Rensselaer Rail Station - Amtrak 710 at Platform 01.jpg|thumb|left|An Amtrak train at Platform 1]]

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=3
|style="border-top:solid 1px gray;" width=50|'''G'''
|style="border-top:solid 1px gray;" width=100|Street level
|style="border-top:solid 1px gray;"|Exit/entrance, platform crossover, station building, parking, buses
|-
|style="border-top:solid 1px gray;border-bottom:solid 1px gray;" rowspan=6 valign=top|'''P'''<br />Platform level
|style="border-top:solid 1px gray;"|Track '''3'''
|style="border-top:solid 1px gray;"|← {{rcb|Amtrak|Lake Shore Limited|inline=yes}} toward {{amtk|Chicago}} {{small|({{amtk|Schenectady}})}}<br />← {{rcb|Amtrak|Maple Leaf|inline=yes}} toward {{amtk|Toronto}} {{small|({{amtk|Schenectady}})}}<br />← {{rcb|Amtrak|Empire Service|inline=yes}} toward [[Niagara Falls station (New York)|Niagara Falls]] {{small|({{amtk|Schenectady}})}}<br />← {{rcb|Amtrak|Adirondack|inline=yes}} toward {{amtk|Montreal}} {{small|({{amtk|Schenectady}})}}<br />← {{rcb|Amtrak|Ethan Allen Express|inline=yes}} toward {{amtk|Rutland}} {{small|({{amtk|Schenectady}})}}
|-
|style="border-top:solid 2px black;border-right:solid 2px black;border-left:solid 2px black;border-bottom:solid 2px black;text-align:center;" colspan=2|{{small|[[Island platform]], doors will open on the left or right}} {{access icon}}
|-
|style="border-bottom:solid 1px gray"|Track '''1'''
|style="border-bottom:solid 1px gray"|← {{rcb|Amtrak|Maple Leaf|inline=yes}} toward {{amtk|Toronto}} {{small|({{amtk|Schenectady}})}}<br />← {{rcb|Amtrak|Empire Service|inline=yes}} toward [[Niagara Falls station (New York)|Niagara Falls]] {{small|({{amtk|Schenectady}})}}<br />← {{rcb|Amtrak|Adirondack|inline=yes}} toward {{amtk|Montreal}} {{small|({{amtk|Schenectady}})}}<br />← {{rcb|Amtrak|Ethan Allen Express|inline=yes}} toward {{amtk|Rutland}} {{small|({{amtk|Schenectady}})}}<br />{{0|←}} {{rcb|Amtrak|Lake Shore Limited|inline=yes}} toward [[South Station|Boston]] {{small|({{amtk|Pittsfield}})}} →<br />{{0|←}} {{rcb|Amtrak|Lake Shore Limited|inline=yes}} toward {{amtk|New York}} {{small|({{amtk|Rhinecliff}})}} →
|-
|Track '''2'''
|{{0|→}} {{rcb|Amtrak|Adirondack|inline=yes}}, ''[[Empire Service]]'', ''[[Ethan Allen Express]]'', ''[[Maple Leaf (train)|Maple Leaf]]'' toward {{amtk|New York}} {{small|({{amtk|Hudson}})}} →
|-
|style="border-top:solid 2px black;border-right:solid 2px black;border-left:solid 2px black;border-bottom:solid 2px black;text-align:center;" colspan=2|{{small|[[Island platform]], doors will open on the left or right}} {{access icon}}
|-
|style="border-bottom:solid 1px gray"|Track '''4'''
|style="border-bottom:solid 1px gray"|{{0|→}} {{rcb|Amtrak|Adirondack|inline=yes}}, ''[[Empire Service]]'', ''[[Ethan Allen Express]]'', ''[[Maple Leaf (train)|Maple Leaf]]'' toward {{amtk|New York}} {{small|({{amtk|Hudson}})}} →
|}

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==Transportation services==
===Amtrak===
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[[File:Albany-Rensselaer Rail Station - Downtown Skyline From Station 01.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Two Amtrak trains at Albany–Rensselaer station, as viewed from the parking deck over the platforms]]
The station's busiest route is the ''[[Empire Service]],'' with seven round trips to [[New York City]], five of which originate and terminate here. It is the descendant of the New York Central's express trains running along the eastern leg of the famed "Water Level Route" to [[Chicago]].

With the exception of the Boston branch of the ''Lake Shore Limited'', all trains have southbound service to [[Pennsylvania Station (New York)|Penn Station]] in New York City.
*[[Adirondack (Amtrak)|''Adirondack'']] to Montreal
*''[[Empire Service]]'': all trains to New York (via Hudson, Rhinecliff, Poughkeepsie, Croton-on-Hudson, Yonkers); most northbound trains terminate here; two trains per day continue to Buffalo and Niagara Falls.
*''[[Ethan Allen Express]]'' to Burlington, Vermont
*''[[Lake Shore Limited]]'' to Syracuse, Rochester, Buffalo, Cleveland, Toledo, and Chicago
**New York Branch (Train 48/49): Poughkeepsie, Croton-on-Hudson, New York (Penn Station)
**Boston Branch (Train 448/449): Pittsfield, Springfield, Worcester, Framingham, Boston (Back Bay), Boston (South Station)
*[[Maple Leaf (Amtrak)|''Maple Leaf'']] to Toronto
*''[[Berkshire Flyer]]'' to Pittsfield

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Southbound, most non-''Empire Service'' trains swap out a diesel GE [[GE Genesis#P42DC|P42DC]] locomotive for a [[electro-diesel locomotive|dual mode]] [[GE Genesis#P32AC-DM|P32AC-DM]], since non-electric locomotives are not permitted in Penn Station. The P42DC is readied for a train coming northbound from New York City. In the coming years all equipment will be replaced with Amtrak Airo trainsets, the railroad's branding of its combination of [[Siemens Venture]] passenger cars and a [[Siemens Charger]] diesel-electric locomotive.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 15, 2022 |title=Introducing Our New Trains: Amtrak Airo |url=https://www.amtrak.com/amtrak-airo |access-date=December 15, 2022 |website=Amtrak |language=en}}</ref><ref name="2022 Asset Line Plan">{{Cite web |title=Amtrak FY 2022–2027 Asset Line Plan |url=https://www.amtrak.com/content/dam/projects/dotcom/english/public/documents/corporate/businessplanning/Amtrak-Service-Asset-Line-Plans-FY22-27.pdf |access-date=April 11, 2022 |website=[[Amtrak]] |page=132}}</ref> This would eliminate the time-consuming locomotive changes at Albany–Rensselaer.

===Bus===
[[File:Albany-Rensselaer Rail Station - MegaBus Stop.jpg|thumb|200px|left|The Megabus stop at the station]]
The intercity [[Megabus (United States)|Megabus]] operates regular service to New York City and Ridgewood, N.J. Temporary [[Amtrak Thruway Motorcoach]] services due to track service work also serve the station from its bus bays.

Two bus routes operated by the [[Capital District Transportation Authority]], the local public transportation agency, serve the station:
*114-Madison/Washington: Every 30 minutes during the day, and every hour on nights and weekends.
*214-Rensselaer/Third Street-Amtrak: Every 30 minutes during rush hours, every 40 minutes during the day and about every hour on nights and weekends.

[[Vermont Translines]] buses to and from [[Burlington, Vermont]] stop at the station as well. These routes are also through-ticketed with Amtrak and [[Greyhound Lines]].
⚫
{{clear}}


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|30em}}
{{reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{Commons category inline}}
{{Amtrak web|ALB|Albany-Rensselaer Station}}
{{Amtrak web|ALB|Albany-Rensselaer Station}}
*[http://www.cdta.org/rail-stations/84 CDTA station page for Rensselaer]
*[http://www.cdta.org/rail-stations/84 Capital District Transportation Authority – Rail Stations]


{{Amtrak New York stations}}
{{Amtrak New York stations}}

Latest revision as of 10:22, 7 August 2024

For the station in Indiana, see Rensselaer station.
Rensselaer, NY
Albany-Rensselaer station in April 2016
General information
Location525 East Street
Rensselaer, New York
United States
Coordinates42°38′29″N 73°44′28″W / 42.64139°N 73.74111°W / 42.64139; -73.74111
Owned byCapital District Transportation Authority (CDTA)[1]
Line(s)Empire Corridor (Hudson Subdivision)
Platforms2 island platforms
Tracks4
ConnectionsBus transport CDTA: 114, 214[1]
Bus transport Megabus: M27
Construction
Parking512 spaces[1]
Bicycle facilitiesYes
AccessibleYes
Other information
Station codeAmtrak: ALB
IATA codeZLY
History
OpenedDecember 29, 1968[2]
RebuiltJune 2, 1999–September 22, 2002[1][3]
ElectrifiedNo
Passengers
FY 2023790,517[4] (Amtrak)
Services
Preceding station Amtrak Following station
Schenectady
toward Montreal
 Adirondack Hudson
toward New York
Schenectady
toward Niagara Falls, New York
 Empire Service
Schenectady
toward Burlington
 Ethan Allen Express
Schenectady
toward Toronto
 Maple Leaf
Reverses direction Berkshire Flyer
(seasonal)
 Pittsfield
Terminus
Hudson
toward New York
Schenectady
toward Chicago
 Lake Shore Limited Rhinecliff
toward New York
Pittsfield
toward Boston South
Former services
Preceding station Amtrak Following station
Colonie–Schenectady
toward Chicago
 Lake Shore Poughkeepsie
toward New York (Grand Central)
Colonie–Schenectady
toward Detroit (Michigan Central)
 Niagara Rainbow Hudson
toward New York (Grand Central)
Watervliet
toward Montreal
 Adirondack
Rerouted in 1978
Former services at Rensselaer
Preceding station New York Central Railroad Following station
Albany
toward Chicago
 Main Line Castleton-on-Hudson
toward New York
Albany
Terminus
 Boston and Albany Railroad
Main Line
 Niverville
toward Boston
East Greenbush
toward Boston
Preceding station Delaware and Hudson Railway Following station
Albany
Terminus
 Albany – Troy
via Rensselaer
 Forbes Avenue
toward Troy
Location
Map

Albany–Rensselaer station, formally the Joseph L. Bruno Rail Station, is a train station in Rensselaer, New York, located 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from downtown Albany across the Hudson River.[1] Operated by the Capital District Transportation Authority, it serves as Amtrak's primary station for the Capital District. The station is served by Amtrak's Empire Corridor routes – Adirondack, Berkshire Flyer, Empire Service, Ethan Allen Express, Lake Shore Limited, and Maple Leaf.

Station design and services

[edit]
Two Amtrak trains at Albany–Rensselaer station, as viewed from the parking deck over the platforms

The two floor station features a large main lobby that contains a coffee shop, a newsstand, and a post office. Trains call at two high-level island platforms serving two tracks in each direction. The platforms are connected to the main building by an aerial walkway that is accessed by stairs, escalator and elevator.[5] Each 605-foot (184 m) platform can accommodate up to 7 Amfleet cars, not including an engine.[citation needed]

The station is served by multiple daily round trips of the Empire Service, most of which terminate at Albany–Rensselaer. It is also served by the daily round trips of the Adirondack, Ethan Allen Express, Lake Shore Limited, and Maple Leaf, plus the seasonal Berkshire Flyer. Albany–Rensselaer is the junction point between the New York City and Boston sections of the Lake Shore Limited. Most trains continuing south of Albany swap their engines there. Diesel GE P42DC locomotives are usually used on routes north and west of Albany, while dual mode P32AC-DM locomotives are used south of Albany because diesel locomotives are not permitted in Penn Station. The P42DC is readied for a train coming northbound from New York City.[citation needed] In the late 2020s and early 2030s, the corridor routes will receive Amtrak Airo trainsets, which will eliminate the need for most engine changes at Albany–Rensselaer.[6][7]

The station is also served by Megabus and Vermont Translines intercity bus routes and by Capital District Transportation Authority local bus service.[citation needed]

History

[edit]
A Penn Central Empire Service train arriving at Albany-Rensselaer in 1970

The first station at Albany–Rensselaer was built by Penn Central in 1968 to replace Albany Union Station due to the construction of Interstate 787. It was replaced in 1980 at the same site.[8] The 1968 building was torn down in order to expand the station's parking facility. The current structure was completed in September 2002 and opened on September 22.[9] It was designed by the Schenectady architecture firm Stracher–Roth Gilmore and the New York firm Vollmer Associates, with Ryan-Biggs of Troy providing structural engineering, Sage/Engineering Associates providing MEP engineering services, Erdman Anthony of Troy providing facilities engineering, and constructed by U. W. Marx/Bovis joint venture.[10]

The station was originally intended to have four tracks, but was built with only three due to cost concerns, leaving the station with fewer than preferable tracks.[9] In October 2008, it was announced that a fourth track would be built after the two previous terminal buildings were demolished; a contract for that work was assigned at the same time.[9] Design work was proceeding on the fourth track as of February 2010, but actual construction was placed on hold pending resolution of funding issues and demolition of the two terminal buildings to the north.[9] On October 27, 2010, demolition of the two other buildings began.[8] In a December 4, 2012 press release, Amtrak indicated that installation of the fourth track would begin in 2013,[11] and the project was completed in March 2016.[12]

By 2020, it was Amtrak's ninth-busiest station, as well as the busiest to serve a metro area with a population smaller than 2 million,[13] a distinction it has held since at least 2010.[8] This is primarily due to the large number of passengers who commute to and from New York City.[citation needed] In March 2020, Adirondack and Ethan Allen Express service was suspended north of Albany–Rensselaer as part of a round of service reductions in response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.[14] Ethan Allen Express service was restored in July 2021, and Adirondack service was restored in April 2023.[15]

The Berkshire Flyer began running on July 8, 2022, providing direct service to Pittsfield on summer weekends. The train reverses direction at Albany–Rensselaer.[16] In October 2023, the station was formally renamed in honor of the late New York State Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno, who was instrumental in replacing the old station (which he once described as a "matchbox") with the current facility. It is one of two major public facilities in Rensselaer County named for Bruno, the other being Joseph L. Bruno Stadium in Troy.[17]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e "Rail Stations". Capital District Transportation Authority. Retrieved August 5, 2024.
  2. ^ "Penn-Central to Open New Rensselaer Station Dec. 29". The Times-Record. Troy, New York. December 20, 1968. p. 3. Retrieved June 23, 2019 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  3. ^ Holland, Jesse J. (June 3, 1999). "New Digs". The Post-Star. Glens Falls, New York. p. A5. Retrieved November 14, 2020 – via Newspapers.com. Open access icon
  4. ^ "Amtrak Fact Sheet, Fiscal Year 2023: State of New York" (PDF). Amtrak. March 2024. Retrieved June 29, 2024.
  5. ^ Anderson, Eric (June 26, 2017). "Rensselaer Amtrak station gets new escalators". Times Union. Albany, New York. Retrieved March 26, 2019.
  6. ^ "Introducing Our New Trains: Amtrak Airo". Amtrak. December 15, 2022. Retrieved December 15, 2022.
  7. ^ "Amtrak FY 2022–2027 Asset Line Plan" (PDF). Amtrak. p. 132. Retrieved April 11, 2022.
  8. ^ a b c Anderson, Eric (October 27, 2010). "High-Speed Rail Chugs Toward the Fast Lane". Times Union. Albany, New York. Retrieved November 13, 2010.
  9. ^ a b c d Woodruff, Cathy (February 14, 2010). "Train Late? Old Stations Derail New Track". Times Union. Albany, New York. Retrieved March 5, 2010.
  10. ^ "2002 Award of Merit: Transit Project". Engineering News-Record. McGraw-Hill. December 1, 2002. Retrieved January 1, 2013.
  11. ^ "Governor Cuomo Announces Hudson Rail Lease – Amtrak/CSX Deal Will Improve Passenger Service, Move Projects Forward" (PDF) (Press release). Albany, New York: Amtrak. December 4, 2012. Retrieved December 5, 2012.
  12. ^ Anderson, Eric (March 7, 2016). "Fourth Track Opens At Station". Times Union. Albany, New York. Retrieved July 31, 2016.
  13. ^ "2020 Corporate Profile" (PDF). Amtrak. April 2021. Retrieved September 18, 2021.
  14. ^ "Service Adjustments Due to Coronavirus" (Press release). Amtrak. March 24, 2020. Archived from the original on March 25, 2020. Retrieved March 25, 2020.
  15. ^ "Amtrak Adirondack Line to resume by April". NEWS10 ABC. March 10, 2023. Retrieved April 17, 2023.
  16. ^ Britton-Mehlisch, Meg (July 8, 2022). "'Sold out' Berkshire Flyer train is rolling towards Pittsfield, after on-time departure from New York City". The Berkshire Eagle. Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Retrieved July 8, 2022.
  17. ^ Lauren Stanforth (October 5, 2023). "Rensselaer County now has two public buildings named for Joe Bruno". Times Union. Archived from the original on October 9, 2023.
[edit]

Media related to Albany–Rensselaer station at Wikimedia Commons

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