With all the discussion about states helping to support Amtrak, as well as the plans (or hopes) in many areas for seeing high speed rail on existing freight lines, it occurred to me that New York seems like it's already ahead of most other states in these areas. Why do most plans around the country make 110 mph seem like such a long-term, ambitious goal when the Empire Corridor has been quietly supporting 110 mph on non-Amtrak owned track for years? Does New York really invest that much more in rail than, say, Oregon or Washington? Or are other states just not spending wisely? Is CSX more cooperative on the Empire Corridor (I believe it owns the line north of Poughkeepsie) than a typical freight railroad when it comes to high speed passenger trains? Why is it taking so much longer for, say, the Cascades service to become a real high speed service than it is for New York to upgrade the Empire Service trains (Turboliner delays notwithstanding)?
[This message has been edited by vthokie (edited 06-23-2002).]
Posted by mechtech (Member # 1459) on :
Well, New York City has a very good subway system to start with, I travelled in this subway myself. Impressing to see 4-track lines with express services.
In a history film about the subway in the New York City subway museum (in an old subway station in Brooklyn!), there was stated that two inventions made skyscrapers in Manhattan possible: the elevator and the subway!
Is it because of the densily populated area that the state of New York supported and supports public rail transport?
Posted by lakeshorelimited (Member # 576) on :
Actually, New York state is at the bottom of the list for state support when it comes to Amtrak. They only provide 1.1 million in operating support for the Adirondack, not Empire service.
However, New York State is a large supporter of capital projects when it comes to Amtrak. The refurbishing of the Turboliners is a good example of this.
NYS's continuing assistance should include more operating subsidies to bring the cost of rail travel down to the more affordable prices enjoyed in California. However, California subsidizes their trains much more than New York does.
But in regard to the original post- you're right, New York is on track for high speed rail. There are several factors.. already good service in place, a state committed to funding capital projects and a high population density along the corridor. Empire Service especially between Albany and New York is a huge success moving hundreds of passengers daily. Currently, it rivals drive and flying times when you take into account traffic getting into manhattan and the delays at airport security these days. With upgraded tracks and trains, the service will continue to expand.