Coalition urges FRA to re-establish rail service between Scranton, New York City

A coalition urges the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to re-establish direct passenger rail service between Scranton and New York City.

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) and U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-PA), members of the coalition that also includes regional partners from Pennsylvania and New Jersey, recently wrote FRA Administrator Amit Bose.

Rail service between the two cities was discontinued in 1970. The 28-mile Lackawanna Cut-Off fell into disrepair and would require significant improvement to restore train service.

“Restoring service to my hometown has long been a priority of mine in the Senate, which is why I was proud to support President (Joe) Biden’s infrastructure law that will invest over $65 billion in our Nation’s railways,” Casey said. “Spent wisely, this historic funding can help rebuild and revitalize American rail infrastructure after decades of underinvestment while simultaneously expanding service into new corridors and bringing alternative transportation options to thousands of people nationwide.”

The coalition asserts that restoring service would boost local economies and the tourism industry in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

A total of $2.9 billion would be invested in the area during construction, and the rail line would generate $87 million of economic activity annually, according to a study from Amtrak.