The Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority is expected to secure grant funding from the Federal Railroad Administration for the re-establishment of passenger rail services between Reading and Philadelphia, writes Holly Herman for the Patch.

According to Thomas Frawley, the authority’s executive director, the application for the project to take part in the Federal Railroad Administration Corridor Identification and Development Program should soon receive approval.

The earliest the service is expected to start is in 2027. It is expected to both reduce vehicle congestion in the area and create new property development.

The intercity passenger rail would stop in Reading, Pottstown, Phoenixville, King of Prussia, and Philadelphia, before heading to New York.

The Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority consists of Berks, Chester, and Montgomery counties representatives who are working on securing federal funding to restore passenger train services.

Information for the application was provided by Amtrak and PennDOT. The proposal calls for the establishment of direct service from Reading to New York. Committees in Reading, Pottstown, and Phoenixville have been considering potential sites for train stations.

Pottstown Mayor Stephanie A. Hendrick recently joined the board after Montgomery County Commissioner Kenneth Lawrence announced his retirement from his post as commissioner.

Read more about the project at Patch.

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