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  • PA Intercity Passenger and Freight Rail Plan for 2035

  • Pertaining to all railroading subjects, past and present, in Pennsylvania
Pertaining to all railroading subjects, past and present, in Pennsylvania

Moderator: bwparker1

 #802894  by jrevans
 
Some interesting reading from our Commonwealth:

http://www.dot.state.pa.us/Internet/Bur ... 5?OpenForm
Goal 1: Bring the priority rail system to a state of good repair and maintain it.
• Invest in rail system infrastructure to bring the system to a state of good repair.
• Upgrade the rail system infrastructure and equipment to meet current standards.
• Maintain Pennsylvania’s rail system infrastructure in a state of good repair.
• Preserve rail rights-of-way for future railroad use.

Goal 2: Develop an integrated rail system.
• Develop core rail infrastructure.
• Balance passenger and freight rail needs in the same corridor.
• Improve coordination among freight, passenger, and commuter rail systems.
• Provide seamless connections between passenger modes.
• Provide seamless connections between freight modes.
• Increase intermodal freight traffic.
• Complete links to connect the state’s major urban areas.
• Integrate Pennsylvania’s rail system with the national rail system.
• Provide access to large cities and gateways in the U.S. and Canada.
• Improve access to the commuter and intercity rail system.

Goal 3: Support the future needs of residents and businesses.
• Increase the capacity of rail infrastructure to move passenger and freight traffic.
• Develop an equitable use of rail infrastructure by passenger and freight rail.
• Enhance rail access to increase the competitiveness of the state’s ports and airports.

Goal 4: Enhance the quality of life in Pennsylvania.
• Mitigate highway congestion.
• Develop compatible land uses along rail lines that are consistent with smart growth and supportive of rail use.
• Increase economic development opportunities in communities by advancing investments in rail.
• Enhance the competitiveness of the rail system compared to other modes.

Goal 5: Assure personal safety and infrastructure security.
• Improve the safety of pedestrians and vehicles at at-grade crossings.
• Improve the security of rail passengers on rail vehicles and at stations, consistent with federal and state policy.
• Enhance the security of rail rights-of-way and rail infrastructure.

Goal 6: Support energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
• Improve air quality through reduced emissions by investing in rail transportation.
• Reduce energy use.

Goal 7: Identify stable and predictable funding.
• Pursue funding for increased investments to the rail system.
• Create greater funding balance between rail and highway modes.
• Enact legislation that supports the development and financing of the state’s rail system.

Goal 8: Build public support for rail system services and assets.
• Educate the public about the railroad system and operations.
• Garner support and cooperation for rail operations through metropolitan planning organizations, rural planning organizations, and regional / local governments.
• Demonstrate the benefits of moving people and goods by rail.
• Advocate for a national rail transportation policy and plan.
This seems like a well put together plan.

I especially like the part that says "Preserve rail rights-of-way for future railroad use." since most of us are all too aware that once the rails are lifted, there's almost no chance of them coming back....