regional coalition representing 16 municipalities along both sides of the Hudson River is backing calls for New York State to take a fresh look at restoring passenger rail service along the West Shore Line.

All Aboard Hudson Valley announced that Historic Hudson River Towns (HHRT) has signed a letter to Gov. Kathy Hochul calling on the state to fund and initiate a modern feasibility study examining the potential restoration of passenger service along the historic rail corridor.

HHRT represents communities in Rockland and Westchester counties, including Nyack, Haverstraw, Sleepy Hollow, Tarrytown, Ossining, Yonkers and Hastings-on-Hudson, among others.

The organization's Board of Directors unanimously approved the letter, with support coming from communities on both sides of the Hudson. A majority of HHRT's member municipalities are located east of the river, adding a regional dimension to the push for improved transportation options on the west side.

The letter points to the longstanding disparity in public transportation access between communities on the eastern and western sides of the Hudson and argues that passenger rail along the West Shore could support housing, economic development, investment and greater mobility throughout the region.

The effort, which began as a grassroots push for renewed consideration of passenger rail service, has increasingly gained support from municipalities, counties, elected officials and community organizations across the Hudson Valley.