SCRANTON, PA—The long-dreamt-of Scranton passenger rail line moved closer to reality this week, when it was included in a program tasked with developing passenger lines throughout the country.

On December 5, the Federal Railroad Administration included Northeastern Pennsylvania in its Corridor Identification and Development Program to reestablish direct passenger service between Scranton and New York City. The program was created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and fund initial steps, such as the drafting of a scoping document, scheduling, and cost estimates. The program is open to a wide range of applicants.

“For generations, passenger rail service helped Northeastern Pennsylvanians connect with loved ones, get to school and work, and access economic opportunity and recreation,” said U.S. Senator Bob Casey. “In turn, residents of other states helped to stimulate our economy and visited our region.”

Casey said he voted for the infrastructure law because “bringing passenger rail service back to my hometown and to our region will be a game-changing force for our economy, our families, and our communities.”

Reviving 28 miles of track

The Lackawanna Cut-Off was built between 1908 and 1911 as part of a 396-mile main line between Hoboken, New Jersey, and Buffalo, NY. It was constructed using large cuts and fills and two large concrete viaducts, allowing what was considered high-speed travel at that time. Its direct rail service between Scranton and New York was discontinued in 1970, and without consistent use and upkeep, those 28 miles of track fell into disrepair. The track was removed in 1984 and the right-of-way sold to private developers. The cut-off requires a significant sum for repairs before rail service can be restored.

U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, who represents a district that includes Pike and Wayne counties. He is a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee and worked with U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer to ensure Amtrak was included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which allocated billions for rail. 

He said the proposed line will create jobs and offer convenient travel options for commuters, college students, and tourists alike. It will also connect the residents of Northeast Pennsylvania to wider health care services, sporting events, cultural activities and vacation spots, he said.

“This is a significant milestone and represents years of dedicated efforts to restore passenger rail service, which will contribute to our region’s economic growth and vitality,” Cartwright said.

Cartwright founded the Lackawanna Cutoff Rail Restoration Caucus in Congress, which included members Susan Wild (PA-7), Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). Cartwright and Gottheimer heavily lobbied leadership to treat the infrastructure law as a stand-alone bill, which passed the House in July 2021. A few months later, Cartwright selected the Scranton Trolley Museum as the site of President Biden’s infrastructure speech, and invited Amtrak President Stephen Gardner and CEO Bill Flynn. The month after that, Cartwright was joined by both men, plus Amtrak board chair Anthony Coscio, at the signing of the infrastructure bill into law.

In an announcement made on December 6, the infrastructure law will provide $143 million for a second daily round-trip of the Amtrak Keystone West Corridor between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg.

A 1906 postcard promotion for the Lackawanna Limited

A stop on the Scranton rail line: The Margaritaville Hotel Pocono Mountains. When completed, the resort village will pay homage to the original 1902 …

The Lackawanna Cut-Off in operation.