You have questions, we have the FACTS. Quick and to-the-point answers for many common questions regarding the return of passenger rail to the Reading, Pottstown and Phoenixville region can be found below.
FAQ
Why was the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority Created?
The Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority (SRPRA) was created to serve as the regional coordinating body between Berks, Chester, and Montgomery Counties, with equal representation from each county. The SRPRA oversees and approves the execution of necessary contracts, the selection of the service operators, and seeks out federal funding to support the passenger rail service.
What are the benefits of restoring rail between Reading and Philadelphia?
There are various benefits for restoring rail service between Reading and Philadelphia, including increased mobility for travelers, reduced traffic congestion, lower transportation costs, improved air quality in the region, economic development opportunities, and equity and economic empowerment. The impacts on all communities that will be served by a Reading to Philadelphia train line are immense.
Will SRPRA make use of the previous studies that explored restoration of passenger rail in the Reading to Philadelphia Corridor?
Yes. SRPRA is fully aware of the various previous studies, and has been leveraging lessons learned from those studies in advancing the current project. Not all parts of previous studies are useful, because of differences in mode (passenger rail versus light rail), differences in type of service (intercity versus commuter rail), and differences in geographic scope (Phoenixville-Philadelphia versus Reading-Philadelphia). SRPRA is definitely not reinventing the wheel, but there is still a substantial amount of new work to do despite multiple previous studies. Examples include computer-based operations simulation to help identify infrastructure improvements needed to improve capacity and flexibility, and to support negotiations with host railroads such as Norfolk Southern, and detailed design of the agreed improvements to track, signals and structures. As a reference, SRPRA has posted some of the previous studies below.
What is the process for restoring passenger rail service to the region?
The restoration of rail passenger service in the Reading – Philadelphia segment of the Reading – Philadelphia – New York Corridor is a complex process that requires the commitment and coordination of multiple stakeholders at the local, state, and federal level. Click the link below to learn more about the steps involved, the status and the work that is being done to restore passenger rail service to the Reading, Pottstown and Phoenixville region.
What is the proposed route and stops for the passenger service?
The exact route is not yet determined, but the proposed first-phase of the new passenger rail service will be from Reading to Philadelphia with stops in Pottstown and Phoenixville because that represents one stop in each of the three collaborating counties and the three most populous communities along the line. Additional stops could be added once the Service Development Plan is initiated and ridership from other communities is evaluated.
Where will the passenger train stations be located in each community?
As the SRPRA develops the service plan in coordination with the Federal Railroad Administration, local communities along the route are proactively advancing station planning efforts in tandem with SRPRA. A dedicated SRPRA team will assist with identifying and securing grant funding to support the development of all three passenger rail stations.
As of July 1, 2025:
- Reading: The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance, leveraging a Pennsylvania Local Share Account grant, sponsored a study to identify and evaluate station location options in downtown Reading. The study has been completed and the Franklin Street Station, which is owned by the South Central Transportation Authority (SCTA) was identified as the recommended initial station site. The study is available on the SRPRA website.
- Pottstown: The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission is currently performing a station area study for the Borough of Pottstown that will both recommend a station location and facilities, and evaluate potential economic impacts that would result from restoration of passenger rail service.
- Phoenixville: Leadership at the Borough of Phoenixville are working closely with Chester County, SRPRA, and private parties to identify a preferred potential station site that integrates well with existing and planned infrastructure including roadways.
At this stage in the project’s lifecycle, it is premature to report on all the potential sites for stations, however each community is committed to accommodating passengers with facilities that are convenient, walkable, and include adequate parking.
Will the passenger rail service be ADA compliant to accommodate passengers in wheelchairs and with other disabilities?
The SRPRA passenger rail service will be fully ADA compliant. This includes much more than wheelchair access and provides, for example, accommodations for sight- and hearing-impaired passengers. Our approach to accommodating disabled passengers will be comprehensive, addressing all aspects of the trains themselves and the stations. Specific details of ADA compliant design will begin to become available during preparation of the Service Development Plan (SDP) during CIDP Step 2 and preparation of Preliminary Design materials during CIDP Step 3.
When would the new rail service begin?
The launch of the new rail service will depend upon many factors including funding and availability of passenger train equipment. Service is anticipated to start as early as 2029. Click the link below to learn more about the process and current status of the restoration of passenger rail to the region.
Who will operate the new rail line?
SRPRA has proposed Amtrak as the operator, in part because of the economies of scale offered by its Northeast Corridor Infrastructure and Philadelphia operations hub.
What is the cost of the SRPRA and the rail line?
This is a multi-part question, including the cost of the ongoing operation of the Authority, the cost of the planning, design and construction, and the cost of operation.
Authority Operations: The cost of the routine operation of the Authority during 2024, as documented in SRPRA’s annual audit, was $180,282 and was funded by the three constituent counties. This amount includes director services, legal services, audit services, marketing, and insurance; it does not include $347,867 in planning costs that were fully reimbursed under the Federal Railroad Administration’s Corridor Identification and Development Program.
Planning Costs, Future Design and Construction: The cost of remaining planning, design and construction will be estimated as part of the preparation of the Service Development Plan (SDP), which is funded with a combination of federal and state grants.
Service Operation Costs: The cost of future operations will be estimated during the SDP process and, in the early years, be funded primarily through FRA grants. Long term operating funding sources are still being determined.
How will the train service be paid for?
In addition to the passenger fare, the federal infrastructure bill passed in 2021 changed how Amtrak passenger rail is funded, with the majority of the first six years of non-fare operating expenses being covered by the federal government.
Still have questions?
Join in on a future meeting.
SRPRA meetings are held once a month via Zoom. Click below for future dates and the Zoom link as well as past meeting agendas and minutes.
