Schuylkill River Passenger Train Restoration Gains Steam

PHOENIXVILLE, PA —The Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority Monday voted unanimously to submit an application to the Federal Railroad Administration’s program to pave the way for restoring passenger rail service in the Reading to Philadelphia corridor.

The application is to participate in the Federal Rail Administration Corridor Identification and Development Program to facilitate intercity passenger rail corridors.

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

Thomas E. Frawley, interim executive director, said the application is 99 percent ready and will be complete before the March 27 deadline.

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

Frawley said he has received positive feedback from both Amtrak and PennDOT on the application.
The proposal includes providing one train providing direct service from Reading to New York.

U.S. Sen. John Fetterman’s office has expressed interest in being actively involved with the project, Scott France, executive member of the Montgomery County Planning Commission, said.

Transportation for America, a policy organization, is helping the authority prepare the application.

The authority has budgeted $1.3 million through 2025, with each county contributing $431,520.
More information about the authority is available on its new website: www.gosrpra.com.