» 'Ninety Now' ESPA Press Statement

ESPA Press Statement In Support Of Reasonable Compromise For 90 MPH Maximum Speed Across Upstate New York - Issued June 6, 2011 (PDF)

Release Immediately: June 6, 2011
Contact: Bruce Becker (716) 880-7291 or

ESPA Endorses 90mph For Top Speed Of Near-Term Incremental Improvements For The Empire Corridor Across Upstate New York

‘90mph Now’ Is Critical To The Advancement Of Fully Funded Improvement Projects Which Are Paramount To Rail Passengers

The Empire State Passengers Association (ESPA) has endorsed 90 miles per hour as the near-term maximum speed for Amtrak’s Empire Corridor passenger trains operating on CSX’s busy freight mainline across upstate New York from west of the Capital District to the Buffalo region.

ESPA President Bruce Becker announced the organization’s position today stating “The immediate needs of New York State’s rail passengers are for reduced trip times and improved on-time performance reliability. Based on these needs, ESPA urges all of the involved parties to now agree that 90mph is a reasonable and safe near-term maximum speed for passenger trains operating on CSX’s freight mainline right-a-way and is in the best interest of rail travelers. It is critical that New York State and CSX finalize the agreements necessary to allow the currently-funded incremental improvement infrastructure projects to proceed forward as quickly as possible, particularly the vital, 110mph, second main track between Albany and Schenectady.. ”

Becker went on to say “ESPA fully endorses the need for the construction of a publically-funded third main track across upstate. CSX’s growing freight traffic and the State’s plans for increased passenger service in the future makes it imperative that additional capacity by added to this route. We look forward to a time when there will be three main tracks, all capable of accommodating passenger trains at a top speed of 90mph across upstate. In addition, we encourage the timely completion of planned projects which would eliminate the many current slower-speed segments of the line, greatly benefiting rail travelers.”

ESPA does continue to support the long-term goal of future expansion of higher speed passenger service. Becker noted “As ridership and service expands along the Empire Corridor, the desirability of having rail infrastructure capable of a top speed of 110mph or greater must still be part of the long-term planning process.”

ESPA also strongly urges that CSX should endeavor to collaboratively forge a positive relationship with New York State. Becker stated “It is vital that a positive environment be fostered by CSX with the State, where by the currently planned and future improvements can be advanced in a swift and mutually beneficial manner when funding is made available.”

The Empire State Passengers Association (ESPA), comprised of over 1,300 members from across New York State, is a citizens-based advocacy organization dedicated to improving passenger rail service, supporting seamless interconnectivity between public transportation modes, and promoting governmental policies that encourage balanced transportation systems.

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