New Schenectady Train Station Opens

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (AP) — A new train station has opened in Schenectady, two weeks ahead of schedule.

New York Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul joined local officials for a grand opening of the new facility on Wednesday.

The $23 million station features a coffee kiosk, electric charging stations, better parking, greater accessibility for disabled passengers, and new pedestrian walkways and bicycle racks. The interior was designed to reflect the city's history and the former Union Station that once provided rail service to city residents.

Amtrak will own and operate the new station, which replaces a dilapidated and leaky facility built in the 1970s.

Hochul, a Democrat, says the replacement is another sign of how Schenectady's economic fortunes are turning around after decades of decline.

The state contributed $17 million for the work.