PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Earlier this year, Amtrak proposed expanding passenger rail service. Part of that national plan would create service between Philadelphia and Reading, though it’s still uncertain if that addition will ever see the light of day.
The plan, called Amtrak Connects Us, is a national vision for how train travel could evolve over the next 15 years. The proposal would add 15 train round trips in Pennsylvania. Those in the Philadelphia region include:
• Three new round trips between Reading and Philadelphia
• Two new round trips between Allentown and New York City
• Five new round trips between Harrisburg and New York City on the Keystone Service
Amtrak spokesperson Jason Abrams said there is an obstacle for the Philadelphia-to-Reading service: The tracks are owned by freight carrier Norfolk Southern, which would have to sign on to the plan.
“We’d be able to connect to the cities but, essentially, it would be an issue for freight railroads as well in terms of doing what they need for their business,” he said.
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David Wilk, Temple University assistant professor of finance and director of the Fox School of Business real estate program, said the core issue is Norfolk Southern would lose money by allowing passenger service on those tracks.
“Right now, the status quo is we’re [Norfolk Southern] operating, we’re making money, we have control over the lines, and someone wants to come in and disrupt that, then they would have to at least get back to make whole,” he said.
Even before the coronavirus pandemic, Wilk said there wasn’t a lot of extra money for trains and other infrastructure. A recent study by the Berks Alliance estimated renewing passenger service would cost $356 million, including paying for the right of way on those tracks.
Norfolk Southern issued a statement on the plan:
“We recognize there has been an increased interest in potential Amtrak service and routes in multiple markets. Each case requires unique consideration. Throughout our working relationship with Amtrak, we have relied upon a data-driven approach, with supporting operational studies, to identify the capital infrastructure necessary to support coexisting passenger and freight rail service. In general, this collaborative approach has worked well and should continue. With our long history of working with Amtrak and our partner railroads, we can find common ground and mutually beneficial plans.”
Passenger service between Philadelphia and Reading ended in June 1981.