Schuylkill River Passenger Train Project Gets $500K

PHOENIXVILLE, PA —The Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority was awarded $500,000 and accepted into the Federal Railroad Administration’s program that provides funding to restore passenger rail services.

The approval paves the way for a passenger train with stops in Reading, Pottstown, Phoenixville, Philadelphia, and New York.

Officials said the earliest the service would start is in 2027. The rail service is expected to reduce vehicle congestion and improve economic development.

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

Scott France, executive director of the Montgomery County Planning Commission, said Amtrak officials support the passenger rail plan and helped with the application.

U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, a Democrat representing all of Chester County and parts of Berks County, said she has been pressing for funding for the train service for several years.

In 2021, Houlahan secured a $750,000 grant to get the project started.

“For years, I've heard from constituents and businesses about what passenger rail would mean to them and the economy,” she said.

In the last year, Pottstown and Phoenixville officials have been discussing locations for train stations.

The train would run on a renovated existing rail line that closed in 1983.