I believe that this project would have the most potential of any project to transform Schenectady. If/Once completed, Schenectady would become one of the only Amtrak stations in Upstate NY where a large number of people could walk to the station. If anything it could/would fill up the loft apartments all along State Street. Anyone know what the status of this project yet and when it may be started. The expected completion date was supposed to be January 2013. At this moment the earliest train leaving: Schenectady for NYC is at 9:17am and arrives at 12:50pm for a 3.5 hour trip. The earliest train leaving NY Penn to Schenectady is 3:40pm arriving at 7:30pm for almost a 4 hour trip! The earliest train leaving Albany for NYC is at 5:00am and arrives at 7:30am for a 2.5 hour trip. The latest train leaving NY Penn to return to Albany Rensselear is 10:45pm and arrives at 1:15am. (Could sleep on the way or work). This option is totally viable for a executive type to commute daily to and from Albany and NYC. Funding: $91.6 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act This project will construct a second main track between the Albany-Rensselaer Station and Schenectady Station, which will eliminate a major delay in passenger service along the current 17-mile-long single track crossroad in the heart of New York State. This project will restore the existing track and structures to a state of good repair, and will upgrade the three grade crossings within the project by installing new four quadrant crossing-gate warning devices at each of the three crossings. Expected completion date is January 2013. Railroads working with state: CSX Transportation and Amtrak http://www.highspeed-rail.org/Pages/NY_const_second_track.aspx |