By Y.M. Lowy

Rockland County has officially adopted a new long-term plan that includes support for bringing passenger trains back to the West Shore Line.

The county adopted the Envision Rockland Comprehensive Plan on September 9. The plan lays out the county’s goals for future development and transportation, including support for looking into passenger rail service along the West Shore Line.

The West Shore Line runs along the west side of the Hudson River through parts of Rockland and Orange counties. The railroad is still used by freight trains, but passenger service ended decades ago.

The new plan does not mean passenger trains are coming back anytime soon but it might do so in the future.

For now, the county’s decision keeps the possibility of passenger trains on the West Shore Line in the conversation as future transportation plans are developed.