President Biden s $2.3 trillion infrastructure plan calls for $80 billion in rail improvements, offering the best chance in decades to make passenger trains run faster and more reliably between Albany and Niagara Falls.Â
But an oft-delayed, 11-year high-speed rail study by the state Department of Transportation isn t due to be completed until spring 2022. Without the study, passenger train advocates fear New York State won t be able to take full advantage of the geyser of rail dollars expected later this year.Â
Their frustration comes as they watch Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo push along other projects.
âIf the Skyway had to get done, it got done. If the Exchange Street train station had to get done, it got done,â said Bruce Becker, the Empire State Passenger Association s communication director. I have no doubt that if the administration saw this was a priority and put political pressure to bear it could be wrapped up very quickly. Â