FAST TRAINS IN NY: SLASHING TRAVEL TIME IS KEY TO ACCELERATING UPSTATE ECONOMY

Senator Bruno's plan for high-speed rail was greeted with enthusiasm by members of the Center for Economic Growth.

By Senator Joseph L. Bruno

Just as the Erie Canal and the NYS Thruway revolutionized accessibility in transport, we must now plan for the future of high-speed rail travel here in New York State. The ability to move people, products and ideas--quickly, dependably--is key to our state�s success. Linking upstate cities with high-speed trains will not only dramatically reduce travel time, it will stimulate the economy and firmly establish New York�s place as a national transportation innovation and technology leader.

Today, it takes almost exactly the same amount of time to travel by train between Albany and New York City as it did in the 1950s. High speed trains could slash the travel time from Buffalo to New York City from over eight hours today, to little more than three hours. Train travel between Albany and New York City would take just 1-1/2 hours. Such "bullet trains" operate regularly in countries throughout Europe and Asia. It�s time for New York to get on board.

I plan to include $5 million in the 2005-06 State Budget to began planning for such a system--to study the feasibility of such a system, estimate its total cost and begin moving forward so that high speed rail could be part of our reality in next year�s State budget.

A 1997 Federal Railroad Administration study already cited upstate New York as one of two regions in the nation best suited for high-speed rail, and said that such a system would be cost-effective, recovering nearly all of its investment from its travelers and fares over an extended period.

The benefits of statewide rapid transit include: making upstate cities more attractive for new technology businesses with jobs to help lure young people and families back to upstate communities; expanding tourism opportunities; new, lower cost alternatives to air travel for families and businesses; a healthier environment from reduced reliance on automobiles; thousands of new jobs that will be created during construction of the new system; and improved quality of life for all New Yorkers.

Rail service is critically important for New York, but we can�t rely on existing systems. We must have a plan in place for rail service that provides fast, reliable service. We�ve made improvements to highways and bridges, we�ve improved airline service and facilities, and we cannot ignore high speed rail service because it�s too important for New York�s economic future.

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