Momentum Builds as SRPRA Board Gathers in Phoenixville’s Restored Train Station
The Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority (SRPRA) continues to build momentum toward restoring passenger rail service along the Schuylkill River corridor — connecting Reading, Pottstown, Phoenixville, and Philadelphia.
Board members met in person on October 27 at the former Phoenixville Train Station, now beautifully restored as The Columbia Grand, which graciously hosted the group with refreshments and hospitality.
The meeting opened with a presentation from Phoenixville Assistant Borough Manager Kelly Getzfread, who highlighted several ongoing projects across the borough — from downtown revitalization including a new park at Bridge and Main Streets and infrastructure improvements to multimodal trail connections. Each initiative, she noted, both supports and will benefit from the return of passenger rail.
Phoenixville’s growing residential and business communities are eager for more accessible, sustainable transit options, and the borough’s continued coordination with SRPRA reflects the shared vision of a corridor that connects people, jobs, and opportunities more efficiently than ever before.
Underscoring the Borough’s need for revitalized rail service, Mayor Peter Urscheler revealed that Phoenixville’s population had grown by nearly 5000 in the past year and that the average age is 35.
The Authority was joined by PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll and Deputy Secretary for Multimodal Transportation Meredith Biggica, whose presence highlights the state’s strong partnership with SRPRA.
Secretary Carroll reaffirmed Governor Josh Shapiro’s commitment to restoring passenger rail across the Commonwealth — not only along the Schuylkill River corridor but through several other corridors identified by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) as part of its Corridor Identification and Development Program.
That federal program provides critical planning and funding support to regional authorities like SRPRA, helping move projects from concept to implementation. With Pennsylvania’s long history of rail innovation, both PennDOT and the FRA recognize the Schuylkill River line as a model for how collaborative, community-driven passenger rail can succeed in the modern era
Secretary Carroll emphasized that restoring passenger rail is a priority for PennDOT and the Shapiro Administration, saying, “When it comes to the passenger rail initiative, I compliment the (SRPRA) board for their foresight. The governor and I both share a passion for passenger rail. The restoration of passenger rail between Reading and Philadelphia will work, I don’t need to do anything more than just look at the traffic on 422 to know this will work. From PennDOT’s perspective having that additional capacity on passenger rail is good news.”
SRPRA remains committed to keeping the public informed and engaged throughout the process. The Authority’s meetings are open to the public, and residents are encouraged to attend in person or virtually to learn more about the progress being made and to share input.
Community groups throughout Reading, Pottstown, and Phoenixville are also invited to request informational sessions with SRPRA representatives, who are always willing to meet, answer questions, and explain the steps ahead.
The journey toward restored passenger rail service is a collaborative effort — one powered by regional cooperation, local leadership, and the voices of the communities it will serve.
The meeting culminated with board members, Secretary Carroll, and Deputy Secretary Biggica gathering on the historic caboose positioned near the station’s original entrance — a fitting backdrop that symbolized both the region’s rich rail heritage and its renewed momentum toward modern passenger service. The restored car, surrounded by fall colors and community leaders, served as a reminder that the past and future of transportation in the Schuylkill River corridor are once again on the same track.
For meeting details, project updates, and opportunities to get involved, visit GoSRPRA.com.
