A Discussion about the former OnTrack Passenger Rail System (Syracuse: tax, property)
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While it doesn't operate in Tompkins County, the Finger Lakes Railway is a pretty typical example of the entrepreneurial thinking that has reincarnated many smaller, locally based rail carriers in recent years.
The North American railroad industry essentially had no choice but to re-invent itself after World War II, contracting to seven major systems (two in Canada) and barely escaping nationalization. The small and infrequently used branch lines were often spun off to local operators who re-structured the expensive operating rules and obtained property tax and regulatory reform. Some of these new players grew into specialty operations serving individual cases in many parts of the country, such as Genesee and Wyoming in Western New York State
While it doesn't operate in Tompkins County, the Finger Lakes Railway is a pretty typical example of the entrepreneurial thinking that has reincarnated many smaller, locally based rail carriers in recent years.
The North American railroad industry essentially had no choice but to re-invent itself after World War II, contracting to seven major systems (two in Canada) and barely escaping nationalization. The small and infrequently used branch lines were often spun off to local operators who re-structured the expensive operating rules and obtained property tax and regulatory reform. Some of these new players grew into specialty operations serving individual cases in many parts of the country, such as Genesee and Wyoming in Western New York State
Interesting....I may have missed or overlooked it, but is this railway strictly for freight purposes or is there any passenger service?
A few of these companies might host an occasional excursion or dinner train, but in most cases, they want no part of it, primarily because of the possibility of accidents and lawsuits; ambulance-chasers invariably see the railroad as a juicy target.
Below are two links to one of the better known operators: WATCO has over fifty properties, but most are small.
A few of these companies might host an occasional excursion or dinner train, but in most cases, they want no part of it, primarily because of the possibility of accidents and lawsuits; ambulance-chasers invariably see the railroad as a juicy target.
Below are two links to one of the better known operators: WATCO has over fifty properties, but most are small.
Interesting...With OnTrack, it would be different due to being a passenger train, that would be a transportation option. This is especially the case if I-81 is removed in between Downtown Syracuse and University Hill. Besides that, it would be nice to see what plans there would be for the line outside of service for/near that area of the city though.
At the height of the Automotive Age (c.1955) the general consensus was that only the cities which already had commuter trains (Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Chicago and San Francisco) would retain them. Since that time, new "heavy rail" commuter networks have developed in Washington, South Florida, Dallas/Fort Worth and Los Angeles, with limited start-ups in Orlando, Nashville, Seattle, and New Mexico. Long-term planning is underway in several other cities.
But I don't see too much enthusiasm for a similar system in Syracuse as yet; the reasons being that the metro area simply isn't large enough, in terms of either are or population density to give rise to the congestion and gridlock which, despite public apathy, made suburban trains a necessity in the ls Angeles Basin. The use of OnTrack for special events is, however, a wise move, and might expand if the possibility of alternative uses at peak seasons in other cities is explored.
At the height of the Automotive Age (c.1955) the general consensus was that only the cities which already had commuter trains (Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Chicago and San Francisco) would retain them. Since that time, new "heavy rail" commuter networks have developed in Washington, South Florida, Dallas/Fort Worth and Los Angeles, with limited start-ups in Orlando, Nashville, Seattle, and New Mexico. Long-term planning is underway in several other cities.
But I don't see too much enthusiasm for a similar system in Syracuse as yet; the reasons being that the metro area simply isn't large enough, in terms of either are or population density to give rise to the congestion and gridlock which, despite public apathy, made suburban trains a necessity in the ls Angeles Basin. The use of OnTrack for special events is, however, a wise move, and might expand if the possibility of alternative uses at peak seasons in other cities is explored.
There is some enthusiasm due to the potential I-81 decision, which could possibly remove the portion of the highway in between Downtown and University Hill. There is some sentiment, which is in the earlier part of the thread, that OnTrack could/should be brought back with some adjustments. This is also due to the potential for development in between Downtown and University Hill. So, it may serve as another form of transportation, if done right.
With all of the plans for the elevated portion of I-81 coming down, perhaps it would make sense to consider bringing this back in a new and improved way.
There should be a street level tram with tracks between the two lanes in the middle of the new Main Street replacing I-81 through downtown. Very easy cheap mass transit to add to something that already has to be built anyway. Then if it becomes popular it can expand through the rest of the city and suburbs.
There should be a street level tram with tracks between the two lanes in the middle of the new Main Street replacing I-81 through downtown. Very easy cheap mass transit to add to something that already has to be built anyway. Then if it becomes popular it can expand through the rest of the city and suburbs.
Perhaps, but with OnTrack, it goes through important parts of the city like Destiny USA, Armory Square, University Hill just below the JMA Dome and a seasonal stop to Janesville Beach Park. It was also slated to have a stop at NBT Bank Stadium/the Walsh Transportation Center. So, it actually goes to some important stops within the city.
It would be nice if there was a connection or extension to Onondaga Lake Park, which could also serve as a Park-N-Ride for those that would rather take rail into work or to those spots. This could also be done by coordinating with CENTRO routes from the north and south as well.
If look at the map, if the Transportation Center station gets completed, people that take the train or bus into Syracuse, they could use rail into the city, if the line gets revived again.
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