SCRANTON, PA. – Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti delivered strong and enthusiastic support for the restoration of passenger rail service between Scranton and New York City following Thursday’s virtual public meeting hosted by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). Calling the project a transformative opportunity for the city’s future, Cognetti also reinforced the decision to officially designate the Lackawanna Transit Center as the downtown passenger rail intermodal hub.
The Scranton-to-New York City rail restoration project is in Step 2 of the Federal Railroad Administration’s Corridor Identification and Development Program.
Following Thursday’s meeting that included officials and leaders from PennDOT, the Federal Rail Authority, regional stakeholders and residents, Cognetti reiterated that the project is about far more than transportation.
“This is about more than a train,” Cognetti said. “It is about access. It is about opportunity. And it is about strengthening Scranton’s future. This project is truly city altering. It opens our economy and our community in ways that many people have not even fully imagined yet.”
The proposed service includes three daily round trips between Scranton and New York Penn Station, with an estimated travel time of approximately three hours. For Scranton residents, that means easy access to Manhattan and connections to the broader East Coast rail network.
Educational Connectivity and Talent Retention
The restored rail line will connect Scranton to dozens of higher education institutions, making travel easier for students and faculty at the University of Scranton, East Stroudsburg University, and institutions such as NYU.
“We are a college town,” Cognetti said. “This strengthens our identity and our competitiveness. It will help us retain the talented young people who want opportunity and connection without having to leave home.”
By making it easier to access career and educational opportunities while remaining rooted in Scranton, the project supports long-term talent retention and workforce growth.
Expanded Healthcare Access
Mayor Cognetti also highlighted the importance of reliable rail access to specialized medical services in and around New York City.
“For families facing complex medical needs, access matters,” she said. “This connection makes it easier to reach specialized care and gives our residents greater peace of mind.”
Downtown Scranton and the Lackawanna Transit Center
A key focus of the Mayor’s support is the designation of the Lackawanna Transit Center as the intermodal hub and terminal for the new service.
“This location will be transformative for our downtown core,” Cognetti said.
The Lackawanna Transit Center is prepared to add passenger platforms and serve as the central hub for both bus and Amtrak operations. Anchoring rail service in the heart of downtown Scranton positions the city for further long-term revitalization.
Across the country, new passenger rail stations have acted as catalysts for new housing, boosting foot traffic and attracting new restaurants, retail, housing, and office investment. Stations become anchors for redevelopment, encouraging mixed-use growth that increases property values and strengthens the local tax base.
“When we anchor this service downtown, we create more than a station,” Cognetti said. “We create a gateway to Scranton. We create a gathering place. We support local businesses and build momentum for continued investment.”
Designating the Lackawanna Transit Center would also improve regional mobility, linking Scranton residents to job centers and educational institutions while reducing reliance on cars and promoting more walkable, sustainable neighborhoods.
Quality of Life and Productivity
Instead of sitting in traffic on I-80 or I-380, commuters and travelers will be able to work, study, or simply relax during their trip. The ability to remain productive while traveling is projected to generate approximately $20 million in annual benefits for commuters.
“This is time given back to our residents,” Cognetti said. “Time that can be spent working, learning, or simply breathing a little easier. That directly improves the quality of life for Scranton families.”
Shifting trips from highway to rail also reduces congestion, lowers emissions, and contributes to a cleaner, healthier city.
A Smart Investment in Scranton’s Future
Public transportation delivers strong returns. National data shows that every $1 invested in public transportation generates approximately $5 in economic return. Rail access reduces traffic pressure, supports vibrant street life, and often increases the value of nearby residential and commercial properties due to enhanced accessibility.
“This is a smart, forward-looking investment,” Cognetti said. “It strengthens our downtown, improves quality of life, and positions Scranton as connected, competitive, and ready.”
“This is a chance to reconnect Scranton and NEPA to opportunity,” she added. “To strengthen our downtown. To support our families and small businesses. And to build a more confident, connected future for our city.”
For more information about the Scranton to New York passenger rail restoration project, residents are encouraged to follow updates from PennDOT and project partners at https://advancingparail.com/projects/scranton-to-new-york-city-corridor-id .
ABOUT THE CITY OF SCRANTON: Incorporated in 1866, the City of Scranton has a population of approximately 76,000 residents and is the sixth-largest municipality in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Scranton City Hall is located at 340 N. Washington Ave., Scranton, PA 18503. Residents requiring services should visit www.scrantonpa.gov.
ABOUT MAYOR PAIGE G. COGNETTI: Paige G. Cognetti was sworn in as the 36th Mayor of Scranton in January 2020 and took her third Oath of Office in January 2026. Her administration is focused on driving economic growth, upgrading infrastructure, ensuring public safety, fostering government transparency and efficiency, and improving residents’ overall quality of life.
Last modified: February 20, 2026
