OP-ED: Cooney’s high-speed rail vision could transform Upstate New York—if he leads the way

New York State Senator Jeremy Cooney (D-56) has a bold vision: a high-speed rail linking New York City and Toronto, Ontario, establishing a seamless connection between two economic powerhouses. This ambitious plan is not only crucial for fostering growth in Upstate New York, including cities like Rochester, Buffalo, and Albany, but also presents an opportunity to modernize the state’s transportation infrastructure. However, the success of Cooney’s proposal depends on his ability to champion the project, navigate cross-border cooperation and address the many logistical challenges ahead.

As chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, Cooney has consistently advocated for expanding the state’s rail infrastructure. Recently, he called for the development of "higher-speed rail," envisioning trains that could reach speeds of up to 125 mph—an upgrade from the state’s current plans to boost speeds to 90 mph. With this vision, Cooney aims to keep upstate New York competitive as other regions invest heavily in high-speed rail systems. Cooney has noted Toronto is a larger economic hub compared to 20 years ago, highlighting the potential for boosting both business and tourism with a direct connection between these two vibrant cities.

However, Cooney’s dream faces significant hurdles. One of the largest challenges lies in the existing rail infrastructure. The western New York corridor, already the busiest for freight traffic in the state, often faces delays that impact passenger service. Any high-speed rail proposal would require massive upgrades to this outdated infrastructure, a costly endeavor that would necessitate both state and federal investment, but this is just one of the many obstacles.

Critics argue that the demand for high-speed rail on the American side may not be strong enough to justify the substantial costs. The relatively low ridership between Albany and New York City raises doubts about whether the financial investment required—likely to run into billions—could be justified. On the Canadian side, Ontario’s rail network is already stretched to capacity. With frequent commuter track shortages and limited availability between major cities like Toronto and Montreal, the logistical challenges are considerable. Current travel times on the existing routes, such as the 13 daily trains from Albany to New York City, hover around 2.5 hours—far too slow to entice passengers to opt for a significant upgrade. As one observer noted, "You need a huge demand to justify billions for more tracks from Toronto to Albany." These concerns add layers of complexity to Cooney’s ambitious plan.

Practical concerns also emerge when considering the reality of travel between New York City and Toronto. While the idea of a fast train is appealing, the nine hour driving time from New York to Toronto (without stops and assuming a quick border crossing) suggests a daunting challenge. With typical delays, including food breaks, travel time can stretch closer to 13 or 14 hours. To be competitive, a high-speed rail system would need to significantly reduce travel time—an exceedingly difficult task given the current infrastructure limitations on both sides of the border.

One potential solution is to first focus on more feasible regional connections. Linking intermediate cities like Kitchener, Niagara, Peterborough or even Montreal could provide a more manageable starting point. These connections would help build ridership demand and serve as a testing ground for longer, cross-border routes in the future.

Even if the proposed 125 mph speeds seem impressive, they are far from groundbreaking. For comparison, the Eurostar train connecting Paris and London runs at speeds of 186 mph while Japan and China have high-speed trains surpassing 200 mph. Given these advancements, it’s fair to question whether a 125 mph system would be sufficient for today’s transportation needs. Moreover, the feasibility of such a system, given the economic realities in Upstate New York and the limited daily traffic between New York City and Toronto, calls for a careful evaluation of ridership projections and ticket pricing before such a significant financial commitment is made.

Despite these challenges, Cooney’s vision carries tremendous potential for economic growth. Inspired by New York’s historic Erie Canal, he envisions a "modern-day Erie Canal Effect" from the rail system, driving development in smaller cities like Rochester and Buffalo. By connecting these cities to major economic hubs, the rail project could revitalize communities long beset by economic decline. Like the Erie Canal, which created thousands of jobs through its construction and operation, a high-speed rail network could offer a wealth of employment opportunities in fields like construction, engineering, manufacturing and long-term rail operations.

Although the financial and logistical hurdles are daunting, the job creation potential is undeniable. Building this system would require a massive workforce, from laborers laying tracks to engineers designing the technology. In a state grappling with budget constraints and struggling to provide sustainable jobs, such an investment could be transformative for the region.

However, there is one more significant hurdle that cannot be overlooked: uncertainty coming out of Washington, D.C. Will a future Donald Trump administration view Canada as an ally or a competitor? Will the political climate be conducive to undertaking something as transformative as this high-speed rail initiative, or will it be met with skepticism and resistance?

Without strong support from the federal government and a shared sense of purpose between the U.S. and Canada, a project of this scale may struggle to get off the ground. Cooney will need to address this uncertainty by not only rallying state and local backing, but also working to ensure cross-border cooperation and federal support. The scale of the project demands a united effort built on trust between the two governments to make it a reality.

Beyond the need for overcoming regulatory challenges and securing funding, Cooney’s leadership will be pivotal in navigating the complex political environment and guiding the project through the bureaucratic and geopolitical hurdles that lie ahead.

Ultimately, if high-speed rail between New York City and Toronto comes to fruition, it will be thanks to the dedication of leaders like Cooney—those who are willing to break through traditional political barriers, explore private market solutions and build support across borders. Cooney must continue to be the project's fiercest advocate, working tirelessly to ensure that high-speed rail becomes a lasting legacy for future generations of New Yorkers and Canadians alike.

In the end, Cooney’s high-speed rail vision is more than a transportation initiative; it is a chance to reimagine how we connect our economies and communities. With strong leadership and collaboration, this bold project could reshape the future of the region, much like the Erie Canal did over a century ago, creating jobs and revitalizing communities in its wake.