Schuylkill River Passenger Train Project On Track For Approval

PHOENIXVILLE, PA —The Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority is on track to receive grant funding from the Federal Railroad Administration to restore passenger rail service in the Reading to Philadelphia corridor.

Thomas E. Frawley, the executive director, said Monday the application to participate in the Federal Railroad Administration Corridor Identification and Development Program is expected to be approved soon.

Officials said the earliest the service will start is in 2027. The rail service is expected to reduce vehicle congestion and create new property development.

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

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

Amtrak and PennDOT provided information for the application. The proposal includes providing direct service from Reading to New York. Committees in Reading, Pottstown, and Phoenixville have been discussing locations for train stations.

Authority members welcomed Pottstown Mayor Stephanie A. Hendrick to the board.

Chairman Christian Y. Leinbach thanked Montgomery County Commissioner Kenneth Lawrence for his service on the authority. Lawrence retired from his post as commissioner, effective Dec. 31.