The Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority was awarded $500,000 and accepted into the Federal Railroad Administration’s program that provides funding to restore passenger rail services. The approval paves the way for a passenger train with stops in Reading, Pottstown, Phoenixville, Philadelphia and New York. Officials said the earliest the service would start is 2027. The rail service is expected to reduce vehicle congestion and improve economic development. The authority consists of representatives from Berks, Chester and Montgomery counties working to secure federal funding and other contracts to restore passenger train service. Scott France, executive director of the Montgomery County Planning Commission, said Amtrak officials support the passenger rail plan and helped with the application.
Source: Phoenixville Patch; 12/6/2023