Amtrak to the New York State Fair

R36 Combine Coach wrote: ↑Mon Sep 02, 2019 1:14 am

mtuandrew wrote: ↑Sun Sep 01, 2019 5:59 pmCan’t quite get to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds either, though you’re within a mile of the old St. Paul Midway Station that does still host private cars.

NJ State Fair (in the Meadowlands last week of June/early July, not related to the other state fair in Sussex County/Augusta) is right on the NJT Meadowlands Line.

I also recall service to Delaware State Fair in Dover.

I took a look at Wikimapia, and... it's a end station. No way to park and have hotel power/water. Also, NJ Transit wants you to take a bus from Secaucus Junction to the fairgrounds. That... doesn't quite qualify (probably due to the engineer shortage -- won't be surprised if they cancel trains to do service on game day).

Delaware's got a limited potential, but there's options there. It's a possibility if it can be built up to have a few berths for private trains. Getting there's the kicker though.

Minor correction: Delaware State Fair is at Harrington Raceway, not Dover. Still right on the NS main line on the Delmarva peninsula.

Vermont State Fair is in Rutland, with a terminal and wye nearby. Wouldn't be too hard to add/drop a car off the Ethan Allen.

California's fair is in Sacramento, at the Expo Race Track, far from rail lines.

South Carolina: in Columbia, near rail lines. Could the CLB station have facilities?

North Carolina: NCDOT has a passenger stop here, in Raleigh. No platform, just a gravel "team track", sidings are also nearby.

Maryland State Fairgrounds: no direct main line rail access, but directly on light rail in Timonium.

Eastern States Exposition (the New England regional fair) is in West Springfield, MA.

Illinois State Fair in Springfield, close to a rail yard, but parking may be a problem.

Yeah, the Timonium Fairgrounds can be reached by rail (it's standard grade and they do run some freight on it north of Penn Station Baltimore) but there's no siding/etc for parking a private consist.

So Vermont, South Carolina, North Carolina maybe, West Springfield, and Illinois. Hmmm...

Pacific Electric used to run specials from Los Angeles (6th & Main) to the LA County Fair in Pomona, even after regular service had been cut back to Baldwin Park. A track ran directly into the property. I can't remember now, but I think the Metrolink San Bernardino service currently runs on the PE alignment at that location; whether either the possibility or inclination exists to restore access I don't know. Admittedly not a State fair, but without checking I think LA County may be bigger than some states--at least LA is bigger than most state capitals.

The NY State Fair will reopen in 2021 at full capacity.

The 2021 New York State Fair, an end-of-summer celebration at the New York State Fairgrounds from August 20 to September 6 in Syracuse, will increase capacity to 100 percent and reopen many popular buildings with additional vendors, given the significant progress New Yorkers have made against COVID-19. In accordance with the State's evolving health guidelines, indoor spaces will be subject to capacity limits to allow attendees to be socially distanced within each building.

It's that time of year again:

Again direct service to the New York State Fair.

Greg Moore wrote: ↑Thu Aug 11, 2022 10:51 pm It's that time of year again:

Again direct service to the New York State Fair.

Which really only works by train if your coming from west of Rochester

Well contrary to folks in NYC, there is more to NYS... and a big part of it is west of Rochester

Greg Moore wrote: ↑Fri Aug 12, 2022 12:24 pm Well contrary to folks in NYC, there is more to NYS... and a big part of it is west of Rochester

It also includes places like the Southern Tier that haven't seen a passenger train in 50 years.

https://www.localsyr.com/news/new-york- ... -fair/amp/

Tickets now available for direct train service to New York State Fair

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — As the countdown to the New York State Fair is getting closer, the New York State DOT is partnering with Amtrak to get more visitors from across the state to attend this years fair!

Tickets are now available for fair visitors to be able to take the train and skip tolls, traffic and parking fees, which will make daily stops at the State fair.

The train service will start Wednesday, August 23, with five trains making daily stops at the Fair throughout its 13-day duration, continuing through Monday, September 4.
...

https://media.amtrak.com/2024/07/govern ... te-fair-2/

Governor Hochul, Amtrak and New York State Department of Transportation Announce Tickets Now Available for Direct Train Service to Great New York State Fair


Daily Train Service Ensures Fairgoers Can Experience a Safe, Convenient, Cost-Effective and Environmentally Friendly Way To Travel

Governor Kathy Hochul, in conjunction with Amtrak and the New York State Department of Transportation, today announced that tickets are now on sale for direct train service this summer to and from the Empire state’s largest annual event – the Great New York State Fair. The daily train service allows Amtrak customers and Fair visitors to combine the benefits of a safe, convenient and environmentally sustainable travel option, with the experience of one of New York State’s premier summer events complete with top musical performances, agricultural exhibits, family fun and delicious food. Four trains will make daily stops at the Fair throughout its 13-day duration, starting Wednesday, August 21 and continuing through Monday, September 2. Tickets are available now at Amtrak.com, via the Amtrak mobile app, at the station ticket counters, or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL.

“There is something for everyone at the Great New York State Fair – delicious food, live music, rides and games, and exhibits highlighting the best in New York agriculture – and getting there on the train makes it easier than ever to enjoy one of the largest events in Upstate New York,” Governor Hochul said. “Direct train service allows fairgoers to safely arrive and explore the Fair.”

By taking the train, Fair visitors will skip tolls, traffic, and parking fees, and save on gas by arriving steps from the fairgrounds via select Empire Service (Trains 281, 283 and 284) and Maple Leaf (Train 64) trains, which will make daily stops at the State Fair (in between stops at Rochester and Syracuse stations). The Amtrak stop at The Fair is in the rear of the fairgrounds, adjacent to the Suburban Park concert area. Train service to the Fair includes:

Maple Leaf Train 64 – Departs Toronto at 8:20 a.m. and arrives at the Fair at 2:28 p.m.
Empire Service Train 281 – Departs New York at 10:21 a.m. and arrives at the Fair at 4:19 p.m.
Empire Service Train 283 – Departs New York at 1:21 p.m. and arrives at the Fair at 7:11 p.m.
Empire Service Train 284 – Departs Niagara Falls at 6:27 a.m. and arrives at the Fair at 9:23 a.m.
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “The Great New York State Fair is one of the premier attractions in the Northeast, and one that I look forward to every year. Whether it’s your first time attending the Fair, or like me, it’s a yearly tradition, there is no better way to travel there, than by train – it’s easy, cool and convenient! Thanks to our partners at Amtrak for once again providing this great travel alternative.”

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “Our Great New York State Fair is, first and foremost, an incredible annual showcase of New York agriculture’s rich traditions and new innovations. Not to mention, it’s just great fun! We are grateful for our partnership with Amtrak and NYSDOT that helps to bring more fairgoers – from across New York State and beyond – right to our doorstep so they can learn more about New York ag and experience all the magic that this 13-day experience has to offer.”

New York State Fair Director Julie LaFave said, “As a showcase of all that’s great about New York State, it’s important to us that the Great New York State Fair is accessible to as many New Yorkers as possible! That’s why we are thrilled to be teaming up with Amtrak and NYSDOT again on this convenient, comfortable option to ride to and from The Great New York State Fair. We invite everyone to come experience the farming, food, and fun that have long made The Fair a centerpiece of Central New York’s summer, and encourage fairgoers to consider train travel as a fantastic option for their travels.”

Amtrak Vice President, State Supported Services Ray Lang said, “Providing Amtrak service to the Great New York State Fair is an annual tradition we are proud to continue. Thanks to Governor Hochul and our partners at NYSDOT, New Yorkers can experience all the benefits of taking the train before and after the fun, food, and games they’ll enjoy at the Fair.”

Amtrak has been offering train service to the New York State Fair since 2002. The Amtrak station code for the New York State Fair is NYF. Customers can also spend less on their trip with Amtrak’s See NY and Save discount when booking online at least five days in advance of travel or via everyday discounts for kids, seniors, military groups and more. Customers will enjoy free Wi-Fi, Business Class seats, the freedom to use phones and electronic devices at all times (no “airplane mode”), a café car, ample leg room and large spacious seats.

The Great New York State Fair opens Wednesday, August 21 and continues through Labor Day, September 2. Admission is $8 plus fees for adults, and children 12 and under and those aged 65 and older are free. Tickets include access to all grounds entertainment, agricultural competitions and exhibits, and admission to concerts in Chevy Court and Suburban Park.

Founded in 1841, the Great New York State Fair showcases the best of New York agriculture, provides top-quality entertainment and is a key piece of the state’s CNY Rising strategy of growing the Central New York economy through tourism. It is consistently recognized as one of the top five state fairs in the United States.

The New York State Fairgrounds is a 375-acre exhibit and entertainment complex that operates all year. Audiences are encouraged to learn more about the Great New York State Fair online, and follow the fun through photos on Flickr, as well as by engaging with the Fair on social media via Facebook, X and Instagram.

ok, you get to the fair by train... now what? uber to hotels?

geico wrote: ↑Mon Aug 05, 2024 1:03 pm ok, you get to the fair by train... now what? uber to hotels?

I took a look at the fair's website... and FFS, that's not a day trip deal, that's weekend trip. That's a convention, and as big as it is you got to have shuttle service between the hotels. And yet you don't see that sort of organization. Hell, I didn't see any shuttle-to-lots service!

Compare this with Anthrocon in Pittsburgh. Over 17,000 attendees over four days. 16 hotels filled to the brim (some trapping weddings and such) requiring the use of *six* shuttles, in addition to taxis and ride share (excluding the Crazy Taxi reproduction done by Mr. Regular of Regular Car Reviews). The executive staff of AC kept an eye on things and started the services YEARS back. Additional comparisons can be made with Midwest Furfest, a similarly sized convention in Rosemount (outside Chicago), with multiple shuttle routes by both the convention and by some hotels. All contracted out, of course.

So yes, you gotta taxi or ride-share everywhere. Plus, a 6 hour trip when the fair opens at 10am?!?

Not worth it. Save your money.