One of the first things that captures your attention as you enter downtown Scranton, Pennsylvania, from Interstate 81 and off the President Biden Expressway is a grand, historic train station. Opened in 1908, it stands as a testament to Scranton’s industrial history, once a thriving center for coal, iron, and steel. Although now best known as the backdrop for the NBC sitcom The Office, the city’s legacy is deeply intertwined with the railroad. The train station, closed in 1970 and later transformed into the Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel, remains a symbol of the area’s rich past.
Larry Malski, president of the Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Railroad Authority, reflects on the history, noting, “As an 18-year-old, I rode the last passenger train out of Scranton in January 1970. I always ask the question: If it couldn’t run then, how is it going to run now?” Malski, having dedicated decades to the cause, now believes that Scranton is on the verge of restoring passenger rail service between Northeastern Pennsylvania and New York City.
The prospect of reviving the passenger rail route gained momentum when it was included in the Federal Railroad Administration’s Corridor Identification and Development Program. As part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed in 2021, the restoration project could receive federal funding to reinstate direct rail service via Amtrak between Scranton and New York City, with various stops in between.
On December 8, the White House and Federal Railroad Administration announced the project’s inclusion in the Corridor ID program, qualifying it for up to $500,000 to develop a comprehensive service development plan. While the project is not yet guaranteed, Scranton is closer than ever to welcoming back passenger trains after decades of unsuccessful attempts.
Tyler Kusma, executive director of the Scranton Rail Restoration Commission, acknowledges the long history of discussions about the train’s return, saying, “The joke is that the train has been 5 years away for the past 30 years.” However, with the recent developments, there is renewed hope that the train will finally become a reality.
The potential impact of the project on the Scranton region is significant. An Amtrak analysis suggests an annual economic boost of $84 million, with the capacity to serve nearly 500,000 passengers per year. The economic jolt could prove transformative for the Electric City and its surrounding areas.
Beyond the economic benefits, the restored rail service is expected to enhance connectivity, making it easier for people from New York and New Jersey to explore the recreational offerings in the Poconos. Additionally, it holds promise for business commuters, offering a convenient and predictable mode of travel.
While the proposed rail service may not significantly reduce travel time, with an estimated two hours and 50 minutes from Scranton to New York’s Penn Station, the advantages lie in the comfort and productivity of the journey. The trains, traveling at 110 miles per hour, will provide a reliable alternative to the challenges of commuting by car or bus.
The potential impact on the cost of living in the area is a topic of discussion among residents. Concerns about crime and affordability have been raised, but leaders and supporters emphasize the overall positive effects of the project. Senator Bob Casey, who hails from Scranton, believes that the benefits far outweigh the concerns. He acknowledges that the cost of living has increased but emphasizes the importance of managing change rather than resisting development.
The prospect of increased development along the rail corridor has already attracted the attention of developers eager to tap into the potential influx of tourists and residents. While some anxieties exist, particularly regarding rising housing costs, the general sentiment in Scranton is overwhelmingly supportive of restoring Amtrak service.
Bob Durkin, president and CEO of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, draws parallels with past infrastructure projects that have proven beneficial for the region. He cites the positive impact of interstate highways on job creation and economic development, suggesting that the introduction of a first-class rail infrastructure could yield similar positive results.
The Scranton Rail Restoration Coalition, led by Tyler Kusma, has garnered over 10,000 signatures in support of restoring the Amtrak line. The broad spectrum of support from various groups, including young and old residents and environmental organizations, reflects the widespread enthusiasm for the project.
As the project moves forward, Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti expresses guarded optimism, acknowledging the wait and skepticism that have accompanied previous discussions about restoring passenger rail service. The funding, support from Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, and inclusion in the Federal Corridor ID program have bolstered the project’s credibility. With President Biden, a Scranton native and rail enthusiast, actively promoting it, the momentum for the Scranton-to-New York line appears stronger than ever.
While the community remains cautiously optimistic, there is a shared sense of anticipation. Senator Casey emphasizes that the people of Scranton and the surrounding areas have waited for decades, and they deserve to see passenger rail service restored. As the project progresses through various stages, residents of Scranton are hopeful that the sound of a passenger train rolling into the heart of the Electric City will soon become a reality once again.