PennDOT releases completed study of Reading-to-Philadelphia rail service

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The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) recently released a study on the feasibility and the operation and potential costs of a Reading-to-Philadelphia passenger rail service.

PennDOT’s study also highlighted the steps necessary to advance the project.

“The completion of this study from PennDOT is a crucial step toward the ultimate goal of re-establishing passenger service from Reading to Philly for the first time since the early 1980s,” state Rep. Joe Ciresi (D-Montgomery) said. “A major takeaway from this analysis is the cost for rebuilding service with stations in Valley Forge, Phoenixville, Royersford, Pottstown and Birdsboro is significantly lower than other proposals, including a much shorter line from King of Prussia to Philadelphia or the previous Schuylkill Valley Metro project. I’m confident that this project is not only necessary but very feasible.”

Service ran from Philadelphia to Reading for more than 100 years, ending in 1981 when the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority transitioned to an all-electric network.

Ciresi has worked to restore passenger rail service to Philadelphia from western Montgomery, northern Chester, and Berks counties. Communities along the corridor would benefit, he said.

Multiple other studies have assessed the feasibility of reintroducing passenger service.

Ciresi said he is hopeful the will project will become a reality.