ARA meaning in Regional ?

The Arcade & Attica Railroad (reporting mark ARA) is a shortline railroad that hauls freight between Arcade and North Java, New York. The railroad originally connected Arcade with Attica, however the right of way from North Java north to Attica was abandoned in 1947 due to flooding on the Tonawanda Creek.

The principal business of the ARA is handling agricultural products (soy beans, corn, and fertilizer), lumber, dairy feed, and other commodities between Arcade and North Java. ARA continues to use its GE 80-ton centercab switcher no. 113 as primary freight power, and often will double-head 113 with its GE 65-tonner no. 112 to make switching operations easier at both ends of the line. The freight service operates as needed.

The ARA also runs passenger excursion trains from May to October on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Passengers can enjoy a 14-mile (23 km) ride from Arcade to Curriers Station and back on restored 1920s-era Boonton passenger coaches, and an open gondola, pulled by the historic Arcade & Attica 18 (currently undergoing a full rebuild) or 1940s- and '50s-era diesel engines.