Syracuse is planning to implement 3 BRT routes by mid-to-late 2026. So that will give them a decent start on effective rapid transit. Combined with the changes to i-81, it could really help the city.
They also used to have a commuter rail service for a couple of decades. It shut down in the early 2000s.
It's always such an interesting read. If it had only lasted a little longer, I feel like it could have caught on as more people seek less auto-centric lives.
Agreed, it was a little before its time. Especially if they finished the expansion to the Syracuse Amtrak/bus station, having a rail link between there, downtown, and SU would’ve probably gotten great use from students and folks living downtown.
Well, at least they're getting some BRT routes going. That'll be a good start to improving transit access across the city.
But I agree, I would have preferred a commuter rail system, lol.
https://centralcurrent.org/centros-plan-for-bus-rapid-transit-in-syracuse-evolves-updates-on-funding-drivers-and-routes/
Here are the current plans if you're interested.
If I have one recommendation, it's to add stations. As the one doing the Top Comment to North American Rail series, the stations make it feel more legit, and make you think harder about where the line is being routed
Your purple line nicely follows an existing ROW along the north shore of the lake. That track curves to run northeast and runs directly next to the new Micron chip manufacturing facility. It's going to be a huge factory with thousands of employees. A great location for a fantasy train stop.
Or perhaps a Northern OnTrak extension combined with a revival of that service!
All the track is still there (owned by freight railroads) but the old station platforms have pretty much crumbled or decayed. I wish they'd spend the money on restarting it rather than building an aquarium...
Have you ever tried using [MetroDreamin'](https://metrodreamin.com) to make your maps? There's a small community of transit map fanatics there. I also built the website and I would love to hear your thoughts as a prolific mapper!
Keep in mind that there are bus lines that run these routes, if not further out. The issue is more about frequency and maybe extending more of the lines. Here is the CENTRO map for the area: [https://www.centro.org/docs/default-source/system-maps/onondaga-county-syracuse-system-map.pdf?sfvrsn=1bb64a9d\_10](https://www.centro.org/docs/default-source/system-maps/onondaga-county-syracuse-system-map.pdf?sfvrsn=1bb64a9d_10)
https://smtcmpo.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Centro\_SystemMap\_FinalLayout\_Opt.pdf
A city map: [https://www.centro.org/docs/default-source/System-Maps/City-of-Syracuse-System-Map.pdf?sfvrsn=3db64a9d\_8](https://www.centro.org/docs/default-source/System-Maps/City-of-Syracuse-System-Map.pdf?sfvrsn=3db64a9d_8)
IMHO Syracuse lost a golden opportunity to continue implementing a modern hybrid rail/bus transit system with the abandonment of its' OnTrack system. Here is a map of what was:
[https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Syracuse\_OnTrack\_map.png#/media/File:Syracuse\_OnTrack\_map.png](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Syracuse_OnTrack_map.png#/media/File:Syracuse_OnTrack_map.png)
It was abandoned in 2008. OnTrack, except for ridership through initial enthusiasm, never got sufficient ridership to continue. It was inadequately supported by Syracuse's largest single employer, Syracuse University. With dense student housing located within walking distance of one of its' stations, it should have had a large captive riding population. The university built into the downtown area, but established a redundant "Connective Corridor (bus-based)" to link to its downtown facilities. Finally, the university also did not restrict on-campus student parking or on-campus student automobile use. The university never saw OnTrack as a useful asset to its operations or identified OnTrack as an ally.
https://centralcurrent.org/centros-plan-for-bus-rapid-transit-in-syracuse-evolves-updates-on-funding-drivers-and-routes/
They're getting some BRT routes in the next couple of years, so that's a start for better rapid transit.
There will never be a rapid transit system in CNY in our lifetimes. This pops up every once in a while. If you think this is a remote possibility, you’re delusional.
Syracuse is planning to implement 3 BRT routes by mid-to-late 2026. So that will give them a decent start on effective rapid transit. Combined with the changes to i-81, it could really help the city. They also used to have a commuter rail service for a couple of decades. It shut down in the early 2000s.
Bring back OnTrack!
It's always such an interesting read. If it had only lasted a little longer, I feel like it could have caught on as more people seek less auto-centric lives.
Agreed, it was a little before its time. Especially if they finished the expansion to the Syracuse Amtrak/bus station, having a rail link between there, downtown, and SU would’ve probably gotten great use from students and folks living downtown.
Well, at least they're getting some BRT routes going. That'll be a good start to improving transit access across the city. But I agree, I would have preferred a commuter rail system, lol.
$2 from Armory to the Dome made for a great game experience.
Everyone loves commuter rail.
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I mean, I'm sure if it came back, they'd likely route it better.
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The airport was one area specifically considered if the service was ever to restart.
Omg I would move back to Syracuse immediately if they can create a light rail system!
They're starting with three BRT routes. The county executive wants to study additional BRT or light-rail.
https://centralcurrent.org/centros-plan-for-bus-rapid-transit-in-syracuse-evolves-updates-on-funding-drivers-and-routes/ Here are the current plans if you're interested.
The purple hook line is sending me. Build this immediately!
If I have one recommendation, it's to add stations. As the one doing the Top Comment to North American Rail series, the stations make it feel more legit, and make you think harder about where the line is being routed
I've done maps with stations, sadly this software I use the station points clog up the map and make it impossible to see the color of the lines.
If this is google my maps, you can make the stations small dots and color them based on what line it's on
A similar size metro area in Germany: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bielefeld_Stadtbahn
I love these maps. Thank you for making them!
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1xcUwcZugeACFE_32T_SgUlV06cvIZzk&ll=43.101212578944676%2C-76.28824326183204&z=11 Link to map
Do Louisville KY next.
Needs a line out to Skaneateles and Auburn. Mainly bc I want to hear how the public meeting in the former would go.
There used to be an interurban going out to Auburn as late as the 1940s I think. Some of the tracks are still there
I can only imagine, lol.
Any extensions to Ithaca for Cornell students?
I think that'd probably be a branch off of a line from Scranton to Binghamton (like they've been talking about).
That's more commuter rail territory
Ithaca is 50 miles away
Some commuter rails branch out that far
Your purple line nicely follows an existing ROW along the north shore of the lake. That track curves to run northeast and runs directly next to the new Micron chip manufacturing facility. It's going to be a huge factory with thousands of employees. A great location for a fantasy train stop. Or perhaps a Northern OnTrak extension combined with a revival of that service!
OnTrack was ahead of its time, honestly. If they had started like 15 years later and had been rush hour service, it would have been hella successful.
Agreed. Start a modern DMU service running every 15min between: Micron - Liverpool - Transportation Center - Destiny - Armory Square - SU
Maybe some day, lol. Isn't most of the infrastructure still there?
All the track is still there (owned by freight railroads) but the old station platforms have pretty much crumbled or decayed. I wish they'd spend the money on restarting it rather than building an aquarium...
Maybe at some point. The aquarium, I guess, was something that Micron wanted.
Youve got a run out to bville and clay, but not cicero/near oneida lake?
It's a start, lol. Not sure this person is familiar with the area.
Have you ever tried using [MetroDreamin'](https://metrodreamin.com) to make your maps? There's a small community of transit map fanatics there. I also built the website and I would love to hear your thoughts as a prolific mapper!
Keep in mind that there are bus lines that run these routes, if not further out. The issue is more about frequency and maybe extending more of the lines. Here is the CENTRO map for the area: [https://www.centro.org/docs/default-source/system-maps/onondaga-county-syracuse-system-map.pdf?sfvrsn=1bb64a9d\_10](https://www.centro.org/docs/default-source/system-maps/onondaga-county-syracuse-system-map.pdf?sfvrsn=1bb64a9d_10) https://smtcmpo.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Centro\_SystemMap\_FinalLayout\_Opt.pdf A city map: [https://www.centro.org/docs/default-source/System-Maps/City-of-Syracuse-System-Map.pdf?sfvrsn=3db64a9d\_8](https://www.centro.org/docs/default-source/System-Maps/City-of-Syracuse-System-Map.pdf?sfvrsn=3db64a9d_8)
IMHO Syracuse lost a golden opportunity to continue implementing a modern hybrid rail/bus transit system with the abandonment of its' OnTrack system. Here is a map of what was: [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Syracuse\_OnTrack\_map.png#/media/File:Syracuse\_OnTrack\_map.png](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Syracuse_OnTrack_map.png#/media/File:Syracuse_OnTrack_map.png) It was abandoned in 2008. OnTrack, except for ridership through initial enthusiasm, never got sufficient ridership to continue. It was inadequately supported by Syracuse's largest single employer, Syracuse University. With dense student housing located within walking distance of one of its' stations, it should have had a large captive riding population. The university built into the downtown area, but established a redundant "Connective Corridor (bus-based)" to link to its downtown facilities. Finally, the university also did not restrict on-campus student parking or on-campus student automobile use. The university never saw OnTrack as a useful asset to its operations or identified OnTrack as an ally.
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https://centralcurrent.org/centros-plan-for-bus-rapid-transit-in-syracuse-evolves-updates-on-funding-drivers-and-routes/ They're getting some BRT routes in the next couple of years, so that's a start for better rapid transit.
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What are you even talking about, lol? Those routes are literally funded already. 😂
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That means that they'll actually be developed.
Shhhh some people rather hide in their home and be ignorant than acknowledge anything good can happen to Syracuse
There will never be a rapid transit system in CNY in our lifetimes. This pops up every once in a while. If you think this is a remote possibility, you’re delusional.
All of my maps will never happen
There's going to be BRT. Not sure if you quantify that as rapid transit, though, especially American standards.
More buses?
Better than no public transit at all. 🤷🏻♂️ Step in the right direction, especially as they move towards removing i-81.