Lehigh Valley must ensure passenger train service

All Aboard Lehigh Valley, a group of passenger rail advocates interested in the return of passenger rail service to and from this region, are greatly encouraged by the findings of the March 27 Lehigh Valley Passenger Rail Feasibility Analysis.

This study, presented by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and transportation consultants WSP to the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, was eagerly received by over 100 participants who attended the virtual meeting.

All Aboard Lehigh Valley applauds the LVPC’s efforts to plan comprehensively and strategically for the return of passenger rail service.

For over 100 years, our three major cities, Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton, were very active hubs for passenger train travel to and from New York City, Philadelphia, Reading and points west. Most of the tracks and even the train stations are still in place in the historic rail corridors and offer opportunities for the return of passenger rail service.

The Lehigh Valley’s past economic growth boom was associated with these extensive networks of freight and passenger railroads. Future long-term economic development for the Lehigh Valley will be greatly enhanced by the redevelopment of these assets, including the return of passenger rail service to this region.

This monumental and extremely important initiative must proceed with a spirit of collaboration to ensure that, when passenger rail service returns, it will be implemented with smart growth initiatives focused on enhancing the Lehigh Valley’s quality of life.

All stakeholders, including public policy makers, residents and business interests, must work together to rebuild our urban neighborhoods near tracks and stations through well-designed transit-oriented development. In so doing, preservation of our historic cities, towns, farmland and historic natural landscapes will remain an integral part of this planning initiative.

Passenger rail is an essential element of America’s surface transportation system. It supports economic development, connects rural communities to the nation, helps reduce road congestion and is vital to helping commuters and travelers reach their destinations every day.

Renewed passenger rail service to and from the Lehigh Valley will increase accessibility for all to this region’s significant resources in employment, education, medical services, cultural tourism and outdoor recreation. This enhanced connectivity between Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton and the nation’s extended rail network beyond will create employment and visitor opportunities while reducing vehicular traffic on major interstate highways and secondary roads to other metro areas.

Passenger rail is also critical for us to protect and improve the environment in the Lehigh Valley. Modern passenger rail can carry large numbers of people farther, faster and more efficiently than ever before. Whether using fuel-efficient diesel engines or electrified trains, passenger rail does more to mitigate air pollution than automobiles or aircraft. Properly funded, energy-efficient rail networks can help dramatically cut fuel use by the transportation sector and lower carbon emissions, resulting in cleaner air and water for all.

Naturally, due to the huge task at hand, the process of bringing passenger rail service back to the Lehigh Valley will take time. We trust that, going forward, all will work collectively to protect and enhance this region’s quality of life, urban centers, the environment, air and water quality and farmland. The restoration of passenger rail is key to the future vitality of our cities and our regional economy as well as to the continued preservation of open space and farmland.

This is a historic moment. The time to move on with this project is now. We at All Aboard Lehigh Valley see this effort as a once-ina-lifetime opportunity to serve as a national model for how we can all work together for the greater good. We are actively organizing what we hope becomes a groundswell of support for the return of passenger rail service in the Lehigh Valley.

All Aboard Lehigh Valley invites all interested citizen advocates, businesses and stakeholders to come aboard as we all explore options and plan collectively for the return of passenger rail service in the future. Please join us to share your ideas and your vision. For more information and to stay informed, contact us at info@allaboardlehighvalley.org.

MARK MAKELA/THE NEW YORK TIMES Amtrak trains outside the 30th Street Station in Philadelphia. Lehigh Valley officials are looking at restoring passenger train service between the area and Philadelphia and/or New York City.