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As New York state and CSX Transportation officials continue to work out the agreements needed before the state officially can receive its high-speed rail funding, the Empire State Passengers Association (ESPA) this week endorsed a 90 mph speed limit on passenger trains operating on the Class I’s mainline in upstate New York.

The New York State Department of Transportation has been lobbying to operate trains at speeds up to 110 mph along the route; CSXT officials say they won’t allow speeds higher than 90 mph due to safety concerns.

“The immediate needs of New York State’s rail passengers are for reduced trip times and improved on-time performance reliability,” said ESPA President Bruce Becker in a prepared statement. “Based on these needs, ESPA urges all of the involved parties to now agree that 90 mph is a reasonable and safe near-term maximum speed for passenger trains operating on CSX’s freight mainline right of way and is in the best interest of rail travelers.”

New York DOT and CSX need to finalize the agreements quickly so work can begin as soon as possible, ESPA said.

Over the long term, ESPA endorses the construction of a third main track that would enable passenger trains to reach speeds up to 110 mph.

“As ridership and service expands along the Empire Corridor, the desirability of having rail infrastructure capable of a top speed of 110 mph or greater must still be part of the long-term planning process,” Becker said.

ESPA is an advocacy group dedicated to improving passenger-rail service in New York.