The Capital Region's most promising route for a light-rail system is along the Hudson River through the residential communities of Waterford, Cohoes, Watervliet and Menands, according to a new study.

The Times Union reports that the Capital District Transportation Authority has concluded that route benefits from an old right-of-way used by Canadian Pacific, is densely populated, with plenty of employers and good pedestrian infrastructure.

The river corridor is one of three north-south routes identified as ripe for transit improvements in a study commissioned by CDTA and the Senate High-Speed Rail Task Force. The task force dissolved last month after its funding ran out.

Mass transit funding -- which would help get more cars off the road and contribute to better-designed residential communities -- is a top priority for NYLCV as noted in our 2009 State Policy Agenda.