New York officials have announced a 20-year, $10.7bn plan to improve the state's freight and passenger rail service.
The plan announced at the Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak station provides for the construction of a high-speed passenger train service between Niagara Falls and Albany.
New York Governor David Paterson said that the plan will be partly funded through the state's share of the $9.3bn set aside in the federal stimulus package for railroad projects across the nation.
The announcement came as figures released by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) show a growing support for public transportation over 2008.
Americans took 10.7 billion trips on public transport last year, amounting to a 4% rise over 2007 and the highest figures in 52 years.
APTA President William W Millar said that the value of public transportation was evident now more than ever.
"Public transportation is good for the economy, good for the environment and good for energy independence and now is the time for the federal government to increase its investment in public transportation," said Millar.
Light rail had the highest percentage of annual ridership increase among all modes at 8.3% over 2007.
By Daniel Garrun.
