Lackawanna Cutoff Passenger Service Restoration

Was browsing the procurement calendar and noticed that the 12/16 request did get submissions after all.

I've heard that on Friday, Pres Biden during his Amtrak speech noted that he wants to see Amtrak service to Scranton. I don't know specifics.

Yes, Amtrak’s proposed expansion map shows establishment of new service to both Scranton and Allentown.

lensovet wrote: ↑Sun May 02, 2021 6:12 am Yes, Amtrak’s proposed expansion map shows establishment of new service to both Scranton and Allentown.

The latter seems fit for NJT (running to Pburg until 1983).

R36 Combine Coach wrote: ↑Sun May 02, 2021 8:14 pm

lensovet wrote: ↑Sun May 02, 2021 6:12 am Yes, Amtrak’s proposed expansion map shows establishment of new service to both Scranton and Allentown.

The latter seems fit for NJT (running to Pburg until 1983).

If the latter is indeed instituted, it would be more like the current Hiawatha service between Chicago and Milwaukee. Nobody that I know of deems that "fit for Metra" by comparison.

Hiawatha seems like a glorified commuter, many riders with 10-trip/monthly passes. It is 86 miles
(shorter than Port Jervis or Montauk).

R36 Combine Coach wrote: ↑Fri May 14, 2021 6:05 pm Hiawatha seems like a glorified commuter, many riders with 10-trip/monthly passes. It is 86 miles
(shorter than Port Jervis or Montauk).

Technically it is since the Milwaukee Road used to have commuter service between Chicago and Milwaukee. Hence why I feel it would be best for Metra to take over Chicago to Milwaukee service on both MLW and CNW trackage and have Amtrak focus on Chicago to Minneapolis trains, or others in the region (Green Bay, WI).

In regards to this topic, it might also be a good idea to have NJT run service to Scranton as intended and have Amtrak continue the route of the Phoebe Snow to Buffalo/Niagara Falls.

But I'd love to see Amtrak run from NYP to Buffalo / Niagara Falls otherwise as you described. NJT concentrating on commuters, but both on the Cutoff and well coordinated.

Pensyfan19 wrote: ↑Fri May 14, 2021 6:42 pm Technically it is since the Milwaukee Road used to have commuter service between Chicago and Milwaukee.

Commuter trains between Chicago and Milwaukee on the C&M? Sure, "back in my day' MILW operated trains to Rondout (thence Fox Lake) just as they are now operated by METRA.

Possibly there is confusion with the C,NS,&M, or the North Shore. This was an Interurban that folded during February '62 and "right until the end" had hourly service between Chi and Milw. The line is "worshipped' in death far more than in life - much as the same is the New Haven.

Some maps of Scranton restoration show going on to Binghamton, which, as a NJ-PA-NY route would clearly be in Amtrak’s wheelhouse

Still, It makes total sense that New Jersey would pay for and do the work in its territory

Sure, except that NJT is slow as cold tar!

Gov Murphy declined to say if he supports the LC project when asked on the monthly radio call in program. Construction bids are not being requested by NJT this year.

Scranton just ain't quite as cool as Roanoke! Similar feeling city in some ways, took a while for the Roanoke project to hit critical mass but it finally did so who knows...

Still, you've got Steamtown, Electric City, trolley to the stadium, you can go ski nearby, decent train service well marketed could make the next effort at reviving downtown work a lot better. Hey, maybe if someone brought some of that amazing Old Forge White Pizza into downtown Scranton ...

That’s true about Scranton but overall, many of the cities in that area are struggling and have been since the manufacturing factories have closed. By having regular rail service from the main population center in and around NYC, that would enable people to use the train to see those sites mentioned plus enjoy the recreational activities in the Poconos.