By Y.M. Lowy

Passenger train service could one day return to the West Shore and the Village of Haverstraw is now being asked to support a state study to see if that idea makes sense.

A resolution calling for a feasibility study of West Shore passenger rail is heading to the Haverstraw Village Board for a vote at its February 2 meeting. The proposal asks New York State to evaluate whether passenger trains could run again along the CSX West Shore Line, which currently carries freight trains but no regular riders.

Restoring passenger rail could give residents more ways to travel, reduce traffic, and better connect Rockland and other west-of-Hudson communities to the rest of the region. A feasibility study would not start train service right away. It would first examine costs, routes, demand, and practical challenges.

All Aboard Hudson Valley, the group promoting the effort, thanked Haverstraw Mayor Michael Kohut for bringing the resolution to the board. They also credited local transportation advocate Jon Ross of Rocklanders Against Driving for helping connect organizers with Rockland County officials.

If approved, Haverstraw would join a growing list of communities asking the state to take a serious look at whether passenger rail can make a comeback along the West Shore corridor.

photo: All Aboard Hudson Valley