Schuylkill River Passenger Train Authority Awaits Approval Of Funding

PHOENIXVILLE, PA —The Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority is moving ahead with plans to restore passenger rail service in the Reading to Philadelphia corridor.

The authority consists of representatives from Berks, Chester and Montgomery counties working to secure federal funding and other contracts to restore passenger train service.

The authority submitted an application on March 20 to the Federal Rail Administration Corridor Identification and Development Program to receive funding for the project.

The application is for an intercity passenger rail with stops in Reading, Pottstown, Phoenixville, Philadelphia, and New York.

A decision is expected by late summer.

In the meantime, Thomas E. Frawley, the executive director, said Monday during the authority's monthly meeting that a meeting is scheduled in June with Amtrak executives to discuss the project.

In April of 2021, Amtrak unveiled a plan to add 600 routes, including a passenger route from Reading to Philadelphia.

In Amtrak's report, "Our Vision 2035," Amtrak reported that it serves 32 million riders a year and hopes to provide service to 20 million additional riders.

He is also working on setting up meeting with federal legislators on the project.

More information is available on the authority's new website: www.gosrpra.com.