It doesn't matter how bad traffic gets......even if a station does get built, or they increase the shuttle service between Harriman Station and WC I totally agree with what FEC-Fan wrote:
Let's not forget the fact that most people, given the choice between driving and all the hassles it entails, and taking the train, will still drive. Imagine dragging all those shopping bags on a shuttle bus, then a train, then the subway, then another train, then walking home from the station...people ain't gonna do it.
Like most people I hate shopping to begin with (I even hate going to the hobbyshop because it's still shopping!). When it finally comes to the point that I can no longer put it off, meaning my clothes and shoes are in tatters, my refrigerator is beyond empty, etc. I want to do it with the least possible stress possible (just kidding...I'm
not that bad).
But it is true that I'd rather drive myself than lug all my purchases between several different modes of transportation. If it means sitting in traffic for a while, so be it. I have my amateur radio and satellite radio to keep me entertained and calm while I'm sitting in traffic.
Is it the politically and environmentally correct attitude? Of course not. In this day and age we need to be doing things to help save fuel and a station at WC would definitely help. One thing I do wonder is if redesigning/rebuilding that interchange with I-87, Rt 17, Rt 6 and Rt 32 might help somewhat. I live in Passaic County, NJ and often travel up through Sloatsburg, NY while railbuffing NJT. I-87 is a multi-lane highway and unless you are staying on the Thruway you will be transferring to 2-lane local roads. They did rebuild Rt 17 from Napera Chemicals north to just past the entrance to WC where Rt 32 starts to help traffic flow but I think a lot more could be done. After all, except for Rt 17 West, Rt 32 and Rt 6 are just 1 lane in each direction. With many people getting off to get to WC that is a lot of traffic to funnel onto those local roads. I also wonder if relocating, or closing altogether, the toll plaza would help. I worked in Rockland County for 10 years back in the 80's and the removal of the Spring Valley toll plaza was a godsend that improved my commute time significantly. I was surprised that NY would willingly give up so much toll income but they did retain part of the northbound plaza for commercial vehicles only. Maybe the same thing could work at Harriman?
It's definitely an issue that needs to be addressed........