Chuck, You brought it to the forefornt and we all see what can be. I'm not sure if anyone is aware of the Scranton "Master Plan" that hinges on the return of passenger rail service to the largest city in the Pocono region. Bottom line is this. When service returns, the plan is to construct a terminal across the street from the present bus station. The terminal will combine rail service, intercity bus service, commuter bus service, local buses and taxis in one location. In addition, those who wish to ski will be able to take the train from NY/NJ (including Penn Station Manhattan) to Scranton, cross the platform and take an Electric City trolley to Montage Mountain. Others who want to ski elsewhere in the Poconos will be able to take the train to Stroudsburg or Mt. Pocono and go to their destinations. Will this become reality? Yes it will but on one condition. That condition is funding and thus far, the elected people have not put the political force behind what can become a major shot in the arm for those whom they represent. In addition, such service will only bring more people to Steamtown. Let's also not forget the one thing that Amercians love. It's called convenience. Riding the rails to the Poconos will be much more convenient than sitting in I80 traffic as I did this weekend. There was literally a 20-mile back up from the Delaware Water Gap on the NJ side (and I used to laugh at my friends taking the LIE to eastern Long Island on July 4). Fortunately, the commuter bus driver knew enough to exit the freeway via the Portland, PA exit, thus we missed the backup and were only five minutes late arriving in Scranton. People will opt for convenience. The possibilities exist. Steamtown will certainly benefit when people are able to conveniently go there for skiing, summer fun and find that a unique piece of the National Park Service is there for them to experience. The elected ones must be reminded that we put them in Harrisburg, Trenton, Albany and Washington. Rick The Erie Lackawanna Mailing List Sponsored by the ELH&TS http://www.elhts.org ------------------------------ End of EL List Daily V3 #1703 *****************************
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