Finger Lakes Railroad Passenger Plans

Railway Plans for Possible Passenger Trips

GENEVA — Like the little engine that could, Finger Lakes Railway officials have big plans to turn their small-excursion operation into a venture that could serve more than 100,000 passengers a year.

Acquiring a crucial rail line from Himrod to Lyons from Norfolk Southern is the first step, Smith said. The company plans to step up negotiations in the coming months to buy the 20 miles of line that would allow for regular runs from the Yates County line to the village of Lyons, where an Amtrak station is planned........

FLGK has been negociating with the NS since the Conrail split. NS is trying to protect their business with the Dresdon Power plant. Concerned that if FLGK buys the segment CSX may under bid them and unit coal trains would come south from Lyons. Also, with the new ethanol plant being built in Seneca Falls, NY along the FLGK, the unit grain and tank cars business is also at stake. Of note here also is NS is maintaining the tracks south from Geneva to Corning to a higher level, than the Geneva to Lyons section which is used to interchange between CSX and FLGK. Most of the Geneva north section is now 10 MPH speed restricted. I personal hop[e FLGK can buy the segment, excursions from Geneva to Whatkins Glen, wine trains , dinner trains, and the lot would be an exciting addition for tourism in the region. Not to mention the potential freight traffic increases between CSX and FLGK. (More work for me!!!)