NYSW Blues

The NYRI project probably wouldn't be in existence without it's agreement w/ NYSW.

NYSW is closing the Ontrack's Orange Express in Syracuse. $8 million in public money (1994) was spent for a train that wasn't used much. At $4 per ticket, 570 people per game and assuming 25 games per year the railroad only brought in approximately $57,000 per year, or $741,000 over 14 years. By my very rough calculations the government essentially subsidized each $4 ticket by about $35. ($7 million/200,000 trips in 14 years) http://www.syracuse.com/articles/news/index.ssf?/base/news-13/12052260325370.xml&coll=1&thispage=1

As if NYSW hasn't caused enough damage to the Sauquoit Valley area with the NYRI deal, they're apparently trying to get New Hartford to pay $30,000 for railroad-crossing rental fees now that the PILOT program is expired and NYSW is apparently back on the payrolls (or are they----is Oneida County Industrial Development Agency still listed as the primary owner for tax purposes?) http://newhartfordnyonline.blogspot.com/2008/01/people-who-live-in-glass-houses.html

It would be interesting to see how much income NYSW derived from actually transporting something by train versus money derived from government agencies. Many people argue for privatization, but at least w/ government-provided service there is perhaps the opportunity to trace the money flow. And, although early in the story, it looks like it's the money flow (and the apparent hiding of the money flow) that may lead to the NY governor's downfall.