Scranton Lightrail to Hoboken

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Scranton Lightrail to Hoboken would be a 133-mile lightrail line that will connect Hoboken, New Jersey and Scranton, Pennsylvania. The new lightrail train will connect Scranton to New Jersey and New York allowing easy travel for commuters. The main purpose of the railway is to decrease traffic buildup on Interstate 80. Area transit officials believe the train will be propelled into existence by a compelling demographic trend: The 20,000 commuters going from Monroe to the New York metro region each workday could double to 40,000 by 2020.^[1] Traffic has become more of a problem on 1-80 because of the commuter hotspots Scranton and Easton. The railway creates nine eastbound trains and 9 westbound trains. It is also said that it will generate more business to the Scranton area.

Railway transit administrations have been purchasing abandoned railway along the intended path of the new railway for years. The start the rail line will be determined by several factors, including approval by the Federal Transit Administration of an environmental impact study, a meeting of the minds between the regional rail authority and New Jersey, and overcoming the competitive funding process overseen by the FTA.^[2] The total cost is said to be around 550 million dollars. It is not yet determined how the cost will be spilt up among the states. For the first time, Pennsylvania will provide money to help New Start projects pay for capital expenses. The new transportation law enacted in the summer provides up to $50 million annually for such projects. That pot of money will be divided up among projects across the state, however.^[3]

Many believe the formation of the railway will be a helpful new project for the city of Scranton. However, there are those who are opposed to the formation of the new railway. Those against the idea believe it will bring about suburban sprawl to the Pocono area. It is also thought to be a big waste of money. Even though this is a controversial topic those in support believe the creation of the train will become a reality. For example Larry Simon, who is in support of the rail line states"the train is going to come," said Poconos builder Larry Simon, chairman of LTS Builder and Realty. "I think that is inevitable if the political hurdles in New Jersey can be surmounted."^[4]

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• "N.J. rail line could help ease commuter woes." Swift, Robert, The Times Tribune, October 10, 2007.