Pocono train to NYC: A timeline of what we know

1970: The last train out

Passenger rail service between Scranton and New York City ends. A revival will be discussed over the coming decades, but the lack of action leaves many area residents doubtful about the project's future.

May 2021: Amtrak proposes the route

Amtrak releases a report with 39 proposed routes, including Scranton to New York City.

Train to NYC?NEPA advocates hopeful as funding remains top question

July 2021: Amtrak agrees to assess the route

Amtrak makes an agreement with the Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Railroad Authority to assess the infrastructure along the route and make estimates about ridership and revenue.

Following that announcement, U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright from Pennsylvania's 8th District forms the Lackawanna Cut-Off Rail Restoration Caucus with other members of Congress along the route.

Of interest:Amtrak to assess Scranton-NYC infrastructure; Cartwright forms rail restoration caucus

November 2021: The bipartisan infrastructure law passes

Congress passes, and President Joe Biden signs, legislation that gives $66 billion to Amtrak, easing the share of funding that state and local governments would have to provide.

Gaining steam:Bob Casey makes stop in Poconos to talk Amtrak, infrastructure

June 2022: Interested parties send 'expression of interest' to Federal Railroad Administration

Ahead of a full application, lawmakers and other officials send a letter expressing their interest in the grant program that would help fund the route.

On track:Scranton-NYC Amtrak advocates send 'expression of interest' to Federal Railroad Administration

October 2022: Pennsylvania gives a grant for new railroad ties

The Monroe County Industrial Development Authority receives a $3.7 million grant through Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program. This provides half the funding for 43,000 new railroad ties in the Poconos, an upgrade necessary for trains to travel at the higher speeds Amtrak needs.

Working on the railroad:$3.7M grant will fund railroad ties that allow for Amtrak speeds in Poconos

March 2023: Amtrak releases its study, PennDOT submits application

Amtrak releases the study resulting from the 2021 agreement with the PNRRA. The document includes proposed schedules, ridership estimates, costs for some elements of the projects and next steps.

Also in March, PennDOT, along with the PNRRA and New Jersey Transit, submits the application to the Federal Railroad Administration. The FRA could make a decision about whether to provide funding in May, Cartwright says.

All aboard:Amtrak study reveals proposed schedule, ridership for Scranton-NYC route

Pocono train to NYC:Could we know Amtrak's fate by summer?