(erielack) Bingo East, etc.

[Njricky2_@_aol.com]

I see history repeating itself. If the regionals are smart, they will figure 
out how to work together and compete with NS, CSX, etc. It's not impossible. 
And the routes south and southeast (PA and NJ) in my opinion, all go via 
Scranton. 

Once the Cutoff is back in service, the rest is history. The Cutoff will make 
NJTransit a player when it comes to hauling people. Of the three commuter 
railroads (LIRR, NJTransit, MetroNorth), NJTransit is the strongest in the 
region when it comes to passengers. LIRR is not a player in this. However, 
NJTransit and MetroNorth know how to do it and they do it well, NJT 
especially. I've ridden commuter railroads in various parts of the country 
and in my opinion, NJTransit is the best. Los Angeles' MetroLink isn't far 
behind but is much smaller and they are growing, but that's another story and 
isn't EL related.

NS would be stupid to give up the Southern Tier because if the regionals have 
enough cash to put together, there will be competition that NS doesn't want. 
I don't think the Southern Tier will become a "bike trail" simply because I 
see history repeating itself. There is business between Bingo and Port 
Jervis, not much, but it does exist. Perhaps not as much as going via 
Scranton, but it is there.

Someone recently said that a state-funded railroad cannot cross a state line. 
Well, NJTransit operates MetroNorth trains on the Port Jervis line. Yes it is 
done and can be done when the Cutoff is back in place. If not, perhaps we'll 
see the NEPTA version of SEPTA. I don't know the agreement between NJT and 
MetroNorth, but it does exist.

Commuter rails aside, I see history repeating itself and I see the regionals 
getting together (if they have the cash) providing freight service via 
Scranton to the south and southeastern part of the region. NYSW, you have 
work to do. Be careful of the little guys biting at your butt. NYSW is the 
largest regional so work with the little guys.

Rick

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End of EL List Daily V3 #614
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