From Spotlight PA Berks Bureau
Spotlight PA Berks Bureau will host a community forum entitled “Bringing the Trains Back: An Update on the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority” on Thursday, Aug. 20, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., via Zoom.
In 2019, Berks Alliance sponsored a study that suggested restoring passenger rail service to Philadelphia and beyond was economically viable. In 2020, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation released its own study that supported this finding and subsequently led to the project’s inclusion in the state Passenger Rail Plan.
In 2021, the Berks County Commissioners, Chester County Commissioners, and Montgomery County Commissioners unanimously agreed to create an entity, the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority (SRPRA), to make this project a reality. SRPRA was incorporated in June 2022.
The mission of SRPRA is to facilitate the successful return of reliable passenger rail service, connecting the communities of Reading, Pottstown, and Phoenixville with Philadelphia and beyond.
Amtrak recently agreed to a memorandum of understanding that allows Amtrak to share important information and support the next stage of planning, which includes station planning, operation and maintenance cost estimates, ridership estimates, and revenue forecasts. Amtrak has agreed to allow the passenger rail service to access its Northeast Rail Corridor.
Join Spotlight PA Berks Bureau on Thursday, Aug. 20, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., via Zoom, to learn more about the planned restoration of passenger rail service. Register here: eventbrite.com/e/community-forum-bringing-the-trains-back-tickets-1991232764802?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true.
