Has anyone heard anything recent about the proposal to run Amtrak trains to Binghampton? I know that there were two proposals up for consideration. Binghampton-Scranton-Hoboken and Binghampton-Port Jervis-Hoboken. Currently Hoboken-Scranton is tied up while NJ and PA decide about operating rights, funding etc, but had anyone heard anything about service via Port Jervis? I know NY State was pushing hard for it.
NY State could push as hard as they want. They don't want to pay for it. Amtrak currently is not allowed to increase any services that would increase costs.
Posted by Steve Dunham (Member # 924) on :
I read (in the NJ ARP newsletter, I think) that service via Port Jervis would be too slow and that service will await restoration of the cutoff.
------------------ Steve Dunham Literalman@aol.com http://www.stevedunham.50megs.com/
Posted by Mike Smith (Member # 447) on :
Too bad.... I was in Binghamton this last weekend (New Milford, to be exact, but Hotel was in Binghamton). There is a track that parallels Highway 11 that looks to be in great condition. I didn't see one train on it all weekend (Friday to Sunday). I flew into and out of Syracuse, but will probably fly into Binghamton late August.
Wish there was a train from Houston to Binghamton.....
Posted by ChrisJ (Member # 320) on :
NY completed a study of both the Port Jervis & the Scranton routes, and concluded that the Scranton route would be the best, however that can't happen until the Lackawanna Cutoff gets restored. The PJ route had several hits against it, the additional length being the biggest, I think. The politicians had been pushing for the PJ route, until the study report came out (which I have a copy of), then they changed their thinking, and now support the Scranton route. In the meantime, a deal was worked out with the NYS&W to startup a service between Binghamton & Syracuse, which would be basically an extension of the Ontrack servise which currently runs in Syracuse. NY provided some $$ to NYS&W to fix up the tracks, and NYS&W will provide the service. Supposed to start up later this year. By the way, there's no 'P' in Binghamton. Chris
Posted by ChrisJ (Member # 320) on :
To mikesmith: the track you saw is the former DL&W mainline between Bing. & Scranton; now CP/D&H, and yes, it's in excellent condition. I rode on the excursion that Amtrak ran from Steamtown 3 yrs ago, and it was very smooth, 50-60mph most of the way. It does get freight traffic, not sure how much.