Stephen J. Gardner President and Chief Executive Officer, Amtrak 60 Massachusetts Ave NE Washington, DC 20002 Dear Mr. Gardner: We write to you to express our concern regarding the resumption of Amtrak’s Adirondack line. This line is essential to the economy of the North Country region of New York and it is imperative that Amtrak resumes its operation as soon as is safe and feasible.
First, we were happy to see that Amtrak reopened full service on the Maple Leaf line on June 27. Ontario is a vital economic partner with New York, and this line has and will continue to serve as an essential conduit for economic and cultural relations.
While the Maple Leaf service resumption announcement was extremely heartening and we understand the challenges that Amtrak faces in reopening service lines, we hoped to see additional, similar news regarding the Adirondack line. This line provides critical service to the residents of New York’s North Country, connecting them to large economic centers such as New York’s Capital Region, New York City, and Montreal. And though the users of other lines generally have alternative modes of transportation that can mitigate the impact of a line suspension, the residents of the North Country have few.
In Fiscal Year 2019, the last full fiscal year before the Covid-19 Pandemic, the Adirondack saw 117,490 riders, an increase of 5.1 percent compared to FY18. This is a large economic driver in the community, as total tourism accounts for over 16 percent of the Adirondack region’s share of employment in 2020. Hamilton and Essex counties depend on tourism heavily, with 44.7 and 36.8 percent of all employment sustained by visitors respectively.
Recently, it has come to our attention that train and engine crews for the Adirondack line will begin requalification in August. Any delays in the resumption of service would be detrimental to the local economy, especially with some residents lacking alternative methods of transportation. In light of these concerns, we ask that you please provide responses, no later than July 15, 2022, to the following questions: 1. What is the current timeline for return to service on the Adirondack line? 2. What steps is Amtrak taking in order to ensure that the Adirondack line returns to service promptly in the summer months? 3. What challenges with the Government of Canada need to be resolved in order for the Adirondack line to begin service across the border? 4. What steps can Congress take in order to assist the prompt return of the Adirondack line?
We are aware of the challenges that Amtrak and public transportation agencies have faced and are continuing to face due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, including low ridership levels and supply chain issues. As shown through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Congress is willing and able to assist in helping public transportation agencies return to normal service and, if possible, expand. However, Amtrak must ensure that the Adirondack and other suspended lines do not face unnecessary delays due to its impact to the region.
Thank you for your attention to this important issue.
*Press release from Kirsten Gillibrand’s office.
Just in case there's any confusion - this is about Amtrak's "Adirondack," which runs over CSX NYC to Albany, CP north of Albany to Rouses Point (border) then on CN to Montreal.
The Adirondack Railroad (nee Adirondack Scenic Railroad) has been running for a year or better, post Covid.
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
Gillibrand is a senator.
Still in training.
tree68 Just in case there's any confusion - this is about Amtrak's "Adirondack," which runs over CSX NYC to Albany, CP north of Albany to Rouses Point (border) then on CN to Montreal. The Adirondack Railroad (nee Adirondack Scenic Railroad) has been running for a year or better, post Covid.
I suspect your trains have better timekeeping, Larry.
Electroliner 1935I suspect your trains have better timekeeping, Larry.
Even with the longest trip being two hours, there are those days - expecially in the fall with big trains and leaves on the rails...
Larry, what is your steepest grade?
Lithonia Operator Larry, what is your steepest grade?
Near 2%, but that only lasts for about two miles. It was said that if you could make Purgatory Hill, you could make Big Moose. The ruling grade on the line (northbound) is Big Moose Hill, five continuous miles of ~1.1%.
Northbound trains up Big Moose Hill got helpers. There was a wye at Big Moose to turn them.
There's a couple of pretty good grades between Utica and Remsen (MWHA). Worst spot there has less to do with the grade than it does the "tree tunnel" and the resulting leaves in the fall.
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