» About ESPA

What is the Empire State Passengers Association?

The Empire State Passengers Association (ESPA) works with government, business, railroad management, unions, consumer and other civic groups to bring fast, modern trains to New York State. Our goal is a comfortable, convenient transportation system with seamless connections between trains and rental cars, busses, ferries, airports and local transit.

High speed trains can bring economic development. ESPA recognizes that economic growth in New York State is inextricably linked to better mobility and rational land use that conserves and protects our land, water and air. Trains require less land than highways or airports and produce much less pollution than other forms of travel. And it’s easy to use travel time productively on a train. In short, good train service can make our communities more attractive places to live and work.

If you share our common goals for better train services that promote a sustainable environment, join us --- join ESPA

You will receive our bi-monthly newsletter with informative, timely articles relating to current developemnts, pending transportation legislation, travel tips, features and editorials.
You can receive important news bulletins by e-mail
You may attend the annual ESPA membership meeting --- an opportunity to meet and hear from transportation decision makers.
You can attend and participate in regular meetings, a step closer to becoming a regional ESPA Coordinator.

Your support can make us stronger.

Statewide Poll* shows 97% of New York residents support Rail!

A Statewide poll, commissioned by ESPA and the Empire Corridor Rail Task Force, and conducted by the respected Marist Institute for Public Opinion, showed:

97% of registered voters think that inter-city passenger train service should be improved and modernized, not eliminated.
82% of New York voters believe that having improved and modernized inter-city passenger train service is at least as important as having good highways and airports.
87% of New York voters support increased state funding for improved intercity rail passenger service.
More that one-quarter of New Yorkers who took a trip 75 miles or more in the past year travelled by train.
The improvements most often mentioned by those who would consider taking their next trip by train were better scheduling and better on-time performance.
A majority (57%) of the respondents said that they would favor a rail bond issue to finance rail improvements.

*1998 Poll commissioned by Empire Corridor Rail Task Force and Empire State Passengers Association.

ESPA is working to ensure that New York State’s transportation policy and budget reflect the views of New York voters!

ESPA is working on the following:

Reduced trip times: Albany-NYC 2:00 (from 2:25); Buffalo-NYC 6:30 (from 7:50)
Better on-time performance
Safer grade crossings
More frequent service, especially to Western NY, including daytime service to Dunkirk and Cleveland
Reinstatement of overnight train service between New York City and Toronto, Canada
Intermodal stations linking rail, bus and airports
End border crossing delays
Improved station & parking facilities
Second platforms in Buffalo-Depew, Rochester, Syracuse and Hudson
New station buildings in Niagara Falls and downtown Buffalo
New stops in Dunkirk and Lyons
Restored Southern Tier passenger rail service

Help make there improvements a reality by joining ESPA, and contacting your elected New York State and Federal Representatives.