In the News

A proposed Scranton-to-New York City passenger train should receive federal planning money for a simple reason.

Speed.

Not how fast the train will run, but how quickly it can get rolling.

That’s the state Department of Transportation’s argument in its application for the money to the Federal Railroad Administration.

The department’s application says Amtrak’s train between the cities can start attracting lots of riders, ease traffic congestion on Interstates 80 and 380 and boost jobs, tourism and education, perhaps as early as 2028, because so much of the preparation is done.