Reading, PA — Members of the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority (SRPRA) voted unanimously yesterday to appoint Thomas E. Frawley, P.E. Esq, as Interim Executive Director for the SRPRA, effectively immediately.
As Interim Executive Director, Mr. Frawley will lead the SRPRA through its efforts to restore passenger rail service between Reading and Philadelphia, notably in formalizing agreements, pursuing funding, and partnering with rail operators and state and federal transportation agencies.
Mr. Frawley brings to the SRPRA over 40 years of experience in planning, engineering, procurement, operation, and management of transportation systems. As principal of Berwyn-based Thomas E. Frawley Consulting, LLC, he has focused on transportation systems, primarily in public transit and passenger rail, as well as highways, airports, and bus systems, working with organizations including Virginia Railway Express, Amtrak, California High Speed Rail Authority, and Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
“The SRPRA is pleased to have Tom Frawley join us in this first, important leadership position with the Authority, as we continue to navigate the many steps it will take to bring passenger rail back to the area,” said SPRPA Chair and Berks County Commissioner Christian Leinbach.
“Tom brings to the role his immense professional expertise, as well as a personal interest as a resident of the region who understands the value a Reading to Philadelphia rail service will mean for the economy, and for everyone who lives here.”
Prior to the formation of the SPRPA, Tom Frawley worked with the Borough of Phoenixville’s Mayor’s Task Force on the feasibility study for potential restoration of passenger rail service between Phoenixville and Philadelphia, giving him current insights regarding potential regional rail ridership and operational considerations, as well as an understanding of institutional issues.
Media Contacts:
Berks County: Stephanie Weaver, sweaver@countyofberks.com
Chester County: Rebecca Brain, rbrain@chesco.org
Montgomery County: Kelly Cofrancisco, kcofrancisco@montcopa.org