$194M Passenger Rail Proposal: Reading To Phoenixville To Philly

PHOENIXVILLE, PA — The latest proposal for the new passenger rail project would run from Reading to Philadelphia, stopping only in Phoenixville in between. The original plan of three new stations in Phoenixville, Schuylkill Township, and King of Prussia is now off the table, officials said.

Additionally, a newly completed study paints a glowing portrait of the region’s economic future should the project be completed. The line indicates would bring $356.1 million in economic benefits to the region over the course of its first 30 years in operation, from 2024 to 2053, according to the report, put together by Smart Growth America and the Phoenixville Mayor's Task Force on Resumption of Passenger Rail Service.

The new rail service could be an extension of SEPTA's Manayunk/Norristown line, as originally planned, or it could be a completely new line from Amtrak. The revised proposal, based on the recent report, looked at increases in real estate value, reduction in time traveled, significantly lowered emissions, and money saved from reduced use of fuel and vehicles.

"We are happy to receive such a glowing assessment of the benefits of restoring passenger rail service to Phoenixville," Mayor Peter Urscheler said. "We know the report was very comprehensive."

Previous studies said the project would turn the Phoenixville area into a "new Main Line."

The project would cost an estimated $194.4 million, the report states, concluding the project is well worth it for a "progressive borough continues to become the dominate growth area on the corridor."

The Berks Alliance is completing a similar study for potential impacts to the Reading area.

This latest proposal would restore the former Conrail passenger service that once ran along the Manayunk/Norristown line out to Pottsville. The tracks were originally built by the Reading Railroad. The line has not been in service since 1981, but numerous proposals to bring passenger service back to the Route 422 corridor have been raised in the years since.

The land which Phoenixville wants to acquire for the station is in the area of Ashland Street and Bridge Street. They recently applied for a $3,131,700 federal grant, which would go towards the new station, a five-level, 350-space parking garage, and improvements at the intersection of Starr Street and Bridge Street. The money would also fund further research on the project.

Details on a specific timeline for the project remain unclear, with approvals needed from multiple agencies.

A reduction in traffic along Route 422 has also long been cited as a key driver for bringing rail service back to Phoenixville, an issue that has only become more prevalent as Phoenixville, and other Schuylkill River communities like Royersford, undergo rapid redevelopment and growth.