Rail service from Orange to NYC?

A short article on MidHudsonNews.com ("Commission may study viability of high-speed rail between Sullivan County and New York," March 28, 2007):

Albany – Sullivan County’s two state lawmakers are backing a proposal to create a commission to study the viability of constructing a commuter rail system from Sullivan and Orange counties to New York City.

Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther of Forestburgh is a co-sponsor in her house and Senator John Bonacic is the sponsor of the bill in the Senate.

Gunther said a high-speed rail could make it easier for people who live in New York, but want to move north, to commute to work. There would be other benefits as well, she said.

“We’ve seen a lot regarding air quality, congestion on Route 17, I think it would help with tourism, and I think it will save gas in the crisis regarding the use energy and fuel,” Gunther said. “It’s important to get mass transit to all parts of New York State and I think this is a great beginning for a community 90 miles outside New York City.”

Gunther said the rail line would make sense since Sullivan and Orange counties are among the fastest growing in the state.