Federal Railroad Admin chooses Scranton-NYC Amtrak route to move forward

The Federal Railroad Administration is providing $500,000 for the Scranton to New York City Amtrak route to move forward, the most critical step yet in restoring passenger rail through the Poconos.

The route has been accepted into the Corridor ID Program, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey and Congressman Matt Cartwright announced Tuesday afternoon.

“I am thrilled to make this long-awaited announcement. This is a significant milestone and represents years of dedicated efforts to restore passenger rail service, which will contribute to our region’s economic growth and vitality,” Cartwright said.

The two cities have not been connected by passenger rail since 1970.

“For generations, passenger rail service helped Northeastern Pennsylvanians connect with loved ones, get to school and work, and access economic opportunity and recreation. In turn, residents of other states helped to stimulate our economy and visited our region to see the best of what we have to offer,” Casey said. “I have fought to restore Scranton rail service for my entire career as a United States Senator, including voting to pass the infrastructure law, because bringing passenger rail service back to my hometown and to our region will be a game-changing force for our economy, our families, and our communities.”

The Corridor ID Program, established by the bipartisan infrastructure law passed two years ago, is a three-step process. This initial funding is for the “development of a scope, schedule, and cost estimate for preparing a service development plan,” according to the FRA.

Step two is the creation of a service development plan, and step three includes preliminary engineering.

"This proposed rail line will create jobs, improve quality of life, and offer convenient travel options for commuters, college students and tourists, alike. It will also connect those of us living in Northeast Pennsylvania to a wider selection of health care services, sporting events, cultural activities and vacation spots," Cartwright said.

https://www.poconorecord.com/story/news/local/2023/12/05/scranton-nyc-amtrak-route-gets-500k-move-forward/71813416007/