The benefits of high-speed rail | Guest Opinion

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Upstate high-speed rail is not a new concept. With State Senator Jeremy Cooney chair of the transportation committee in Albany, an effort once championed by Congresswoman Louise Slaughter once again seems possible.

The climate and air quality benefits of high-speed rail, even if only between Rochester and Buffalo, are quite clear. Adding Syracuse into the mix, if not Albany and NYC would also spur the economy in ways we likely cannot even fathom.

With Buffalo the same distance from Rochester as suburbs of Chicago and Boston that feed thriving regional economies connected by commuter rail lines, we have an opportunity to reshape Western and the broader “Upstate” New York.

In addition to the climate and economic benefits, an oft-overlooked benefit is basic safety. The less cars on the road, the better off we all are. NFL games lead to upwards of a 13% increase in DWIs, similar to other sporting events.

With Rochester’s recent Vision Zero commitment to zero traffic fatalities and serious injuries and Syracuse doing the same in 2023, a similar commitment by Buffalo would only enhance the case for creating this system.

Safety and sports offer a new, complementary narrative in support of rail efforts.

With TV blackouts due to a lack of sold-out Bills games still in recent memory and the move of the champion Western New York Flash soccer team which had a struggling fan base due to playing in Rochester one day and Buffalo the next, we should seek to re-build our area into a true sports powerhouse once again.

Additional pro-sports teams are in the realm of possibility. Syracuse football and basketball are already loved by Rochesterians and even more might attend if quick and easy. Traveling to the state fair, too, would be even more of a breeze.

The elderly and those who might not otherwise be able or want to drive, especially in icy conditions, could instead hop on a train to see family or avoid missing events in our region.

Investing funds in a regional rail system rather than a stadium with a smaller capacity than the current one might actually further foster sports, cultural, and economic development.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act have allocated funds for this exact purpose, but local and state leadership need to put additional funds and, importantly, time and expertise toward this work. Studies upon studies are not needed to illuminate the already obvious need and feasibility. The Erie Canal of tomorrow is in our reach. Let’s run with it!

Kyle Rosenthal is from Greece and works in sustainability, primarily with healthcare real estate. He is an Active Travel Accredited Professional and Treasurer of the Board of the Climate Solutions Accelerator. These views are his own and not those of the Accelerator.