Ridership on the Upper Hudson Line (north of Croton-Harmon) increased by 131% between 1984 and 1997. Metro North attributes this increase to "vastly improved service, new coaches, decreased travel times (90 mph track speeds in some locations), expanded through service in peak and off-peak periods, improved stations and expanded parking." In addition, IBM's downsizing flooded the real estate market with affordable homes and attracted thousands of downstaters to southern Dutchess. Since many new Dutchess County residents kept New York City and Westchester County jobs, Metro North's Hudson Line provides an attractive commutation alternative to driving solo.

Extending the Hudson Line into northern Dutchess County poses several questions, which must be addressed in an Environmental Impact Statement and Major Investment Study. Is there existing demand for commuter service in Northern Dutchess? Or, will the extension create new demand by causing new waves of growth and sprawl in rural communities? Will the loss of farmland and rural character accelerate?

Waterfront land in Rhinecliff and Tivoli is in short supply. Tivoli's plans call for a waterfront park. There is little room in these historic communities for a station, parking lot, switching yard and storage of rolling stock. How will they be provided for? How would new stations, parking structures, and a rail yard impact the 16-Mile National Register Historic District? Some believe that an extension further north, to Hudson in Columbia County, would make sense because there is an existing railyard and room for additional facilities. But extension of Metro North service beyond Dutchess County would require an act of the legislature and may not be financially feasible.

Amtrak already provides service from Rhinecliff. Could Amtrak pick up the slack and provide additional commuter service? Will the additional rail traffic exacerbate lack of public access to the Hudson River?

Scoping meetings are scheduled at FDR High School in Hyde Park on June 29 and at Rhinebeck Town Hall on June 30. They will begin at 7 PM.