Develop a train strategy to ensure rail project
Buffalo
As one who travels primarily by train, I am encouraged that New York State is focusing on a high speed rail project. May I suggest, however, that developing a culture that appreciates train travel can begin today.
For instance, there are four trains every day going back and forth from Buffalo to Rochester, Syracuse, Utica, Albany and New York City that take about the same time as driving, today. Buffalo should be reaching out to these markets with creative packages to bring people to sporting events and festivals by train. The existing train station on Exchange Street is a couple blocks away from the HSBC Arena and should be included in Canal Side future plans.
However, a larger market is southern Ontario and Toronto. Each day a train goes back and forth from Buffalo to Toronto but makes very little sense to take because of a scheduled two-hour delay at the border crossing each way. If Customs officers were on the train checking passengers between Toronto and Niagara Falls, Ont. as well as Rochester and Niagara Falls, USA, delays could be eliminated. Making it easier to get the 5 million people in the metro Toronto area plus Niagara Falls tourists to a Sabres or Bills game and other events should be a focus.
Timely, higher-speed trains will be a nice enhancement tomorrow, but creative, low-cost common sense train strategies that serve Buffalo can be developed today.
Dennis Galucki
Log into MyBuffalo to post a comment
MyBuffalo is the new social network from Buffalo.com. Your MyBuffalo account lets you comment on and rate stories at buffalonews.com. You can also head over to mybuffalo.com to share your blog posts, stories, photos, and videos with the community. Join now or learn more.
Reader comments