What is southern tier line?

The Southern Tier Line is a railroad line that runs from Hornell, New York to Binghamton, New York, crossing through rural areas of the Southern Tier region. It is operated by Norfolk Southern Railway and is part of the company's Southern Division. The line was originally built by several different railroads in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, mainly to transport coal from Pennsylvania to New York and New England.

Today, the Southern Tier Line primarily handles freight traffic, including intermodal, automotive, and industrial materials. There is also some passenger traffic on the line, primarily Amtrak's Maple Leaf and Empire Service trains. The Southern Tier Line traverses picturesque landscapes, including the Finger Lakes, the Susquehanna River Valley, and the Catskill Mountains.

Over the years, there have been proposals to use the Southern Tier Line for passenger rail service, including plans for high-speed rail and commuter rail. However, these proposals have yet to come to fruition. Despite this, the line remains an important transportation artery for the freight industry in the Northeastern United States.