By now, most people in the Philadelphia region are aware that SEPTA elected to stop work on the King of Prussia Rail project.

I am clearly disappointed by this decision, but understand the reality based upon the facts presented.

Thanks

I would like to also express my sincere gratitude to the entire King of Prussia Rail team, especially:

• Leslie Richards, SEPTA General Manager
• Pat Deon, SEPTA Board Chairman
• Ryan Judge, SEPTA Strategic Planning Manager
• Anna Hooven, KoP Rail Director
• Elizabeth Smith, P.E., PMP, SEPTA Director of Strategic Planning and Partnerships

Also, I would like to thank the KOP Rail Coalition and its advisory committee, the King of Prussia District’s Board of Directors, all partner agencies, and our stakeholders for advocating for and supporting this project through the years.

These individuals worked tirelessly to try and make this project a reality.

No Regret …

I do not regret for one second the work I, and the staff of King of Prussia District, put into this important and transformational project during the past 12 years.

Connecting the largest employment center in the suburbs via passenger rail would have enhanced our ability to attract investment, companies, employees, residents and visitors.

This is a huge loss for this region, and the federal dollars that could have come here will now go to one of our national competitors.

… But Disappointment

I am disappointed that we are not going to help the thousands of Philadelphia and Delaware County residents who are stuck on congestion-delayed buses trying to get to their jobs in KOP in a timely fashion.

It is my biggest regret as they are now forced to continue riding buses that only have a 66 percent on-time performance.

I am disappointed that Upper Merion will not have a way to get thousands of cars off the roads as 60,000+ employees and even more shoppers, diners, and visitors come here on a daily basis.

I am disappointed that we work in a region full of the word or instead of and.

I have expressed this so many times in my time at King of Prussia District. On too many occasions we fail to aggressively work together as a region. Far too often we pit the city against suburbs in the decisions we make.

Moving Forward

One thing I know for sure is that King of Prussia is incredibly strong without rail. King of Prussia Rail would have enhanced our position, but it does not define our future. Over $4 billion worth of economic development in the past 12 years is only the beginning. 

Again, we thank you all for your continued support. We look forward to continuing our work alongside you to make King of Prussia the most desirable community in the region.

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Eric Goldstein is President & CEO of King of Prussia District.

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6abc, among other local news outlets, covered the halt of the King of Prussia Rail.