Kingston asks state to look at passenger rail service on west side of Hudson River – Daily Freeman
The Kingston Common Council has taken a significant step toward improving regional accessibility by voting to request a feasibility study for the restoration of passenger rail service on the west side of the Hudson River.
During a City Hall meeting on Tuesday, June 2, lawmakers passed a memorializing resolution. They are asking the state to fund and initiate a study to evaluate the return of passenger service on the CSX River Subdivision, also known as the West Shore Line.
Addressing the Mobility Gap
The resolution highlights a critical issue for residents in Ulster, Orange, and Rockland counties. Lawmakers stated that the region currently lacks sufficient public transportation, which limits both mobility and economic opportunity for those living there.
While Ulster County Area Transit provides over a dozen free bus routes, the current passenger rail options on the west side of the Hudson are limited to Metro-North Railroad in Orange and Rockland counties. For Kingston residents, the nearest passenger rail is the Amtrak station located across the river in Rhinecliff.
The Connection Between Connectivity and Well-being
The push for this study was led by Mayor Steve Noble, who brought the matter to Council President Andrea Shaut. Noble noted that the city of Newburgh had passed a similar resolution.
Council member Sara Pasti, D-Ward 1, added an amendment to ensure that Kingston and other west-of-Hudson municipalities are represented during the study’s development and stakeholder engagement process.
Lawmakers believe that restoring the West Shore Line presents a unique opportunity to create a new passenger rail corridor. This would connect Kingston and other communities to New York City and the broader metropolitan area.
Historical Context of Regional Transit
Ulster County Archivist Jonathan Palmer notes that passenger rail was once a staple of the region. Between the late 1880s and 1950s, four different lines operated: the West Shore, Ontario and Western, Wallkill Valley, and Ulster and Delaware Railroads.
Palmer explains that these lines did more than facilitate tourism; they connected rural towns in Ulster County and enabled the exchange of agricultural produce and industrial products. This network allowed goods to move from the mountains to manufacturing and trans-shipping hubs in Kingston.
Potential Next Steps
If the state approves the request, a feasibility study could be initiated in coordination with transportation authorities and regional planning agencies.
A possible next step would involve a stakeholder engagement process, where Kingston and other affected municipalities may provide input on the study’s development.
Depending on the study’s findings, the region may determine if the restoration of the corridor is a viable path toward increasing resident mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Kingston Common Council vote for?
The council voted to request that the state fund and initiate a feasibility study to evaluate restoring passenger rail service on the CSX River Subdivision (West Shore Line).
Why is the restoration of rail service being proposed?
Lawmakers stated that the west side of the Hudson River lacks sufficient public transportation, which limits the mobility and economic opportunities of residents in Ulster, Orange, and Rockland counties.
What is the current state of the West Shore Line in Ulster County?
Currently, the line in Ulster County is used exclusively for freight transport.
Do you believe improved regional rail access would significantly impact the quality of life in your community?