State transportation officials say the effort to restore passenger rail service between Scranton and New York City is moving full steam ahead despite remaining challenges.
Transit officials in the Northeast are confident that plans to restore passenger rail between Scranton, Pennsylvania and New York City will move forward despite electoral results, writes Jeff Horvath in Governing.
According to Horvath, “An Amtrak study released in March 2023 found that restoring such a service would generate $84 million in new economic activity annually, creating jobs on both sides of the Pennsylvania / New Jersey border while offering myriad benefits to leisure travelers, hybrid workers, college students and commuters alike.”
Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Railroad Authority President Larry Malski says the project is not in danger in part because of the massive economic boost it’s projected to bring and its ongoing support from Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and other state officials. The project has already secured $20 million in funds.
The project has been identified as a “new, viable passenger train route” by the Federal Railroad Administration, the first major step toward making it a reality. The second step includes “additional documentation, final engineering and the completion of a service development plan,” said Malski. The rail service could be restored as early as 2028 or 2029.
FULL STORY: Election Shouldn’t Impact Pennsylvania to N.Y. Passenger Rail
Op-Ed: Why an Effective Passenger Rail Network Needs Government Involvement
An outdated rail network that privileges freight won’t be fixed by privatizing Amtrak.
How to Make US Trains Faster
Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.
Amtrak Expanding Service in California’s Central Valley
Amtrak is planning a major expansion to the passenger rail lines connecting the Central Valley and the Bay Area.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
Supporting Cycling Takes More Than Just Bike Lanes
Safe, protected bike lanes are a key part of a city’s bike infrastructure — but secure parking, e-bike charging, and other amenities can also influence people’s shift to cycling.
Judge Blocks Anti-DEI Rules for Transportation, Housing Grants
A second injunction blocks the Trump administration from enforcing new regulations for federal funding.
Unhoused People in San Jose Could Face Arrest if They Refuse Shelter
A policy proposed by the city’s mayor would give law enforcement the option to arrest homeless residents if they refuse three offers of housing.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)