PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation is exploring the prospect of a train that would run along the existing rail tracks on Columbus Boulevard.
The Pittsburgh firm Pop-Up Metro approached the DRWC with the idea of running trains on the tracks, which are owned by the Philadelphia Belt Line Railroad Company. Pop-Up Metro would provide the battery-powered railcars and modular stations. It's touted as a faster and less-expensive way to provide rail service.
"We don't have final starting and end points yet, but somewhere between Race Street and roughly Queen Street," said Karen Thompson, the DRWC's director of planning, policy and engagement.
The DRWC has posted an online survey to gauge interest in such a line.
"How do people currently get to and around the waterfront? Would this potentially change how they did that if it were in place? How would they use it? What are they looking to get to?" Thompson asked.
If the survey yields a positive response, the DRWC would then proceed with planning.
"That would enable us to look for additional funding for the remainder of the planning work that needs to be done," Thompson told KYW Newsradio.
Thompson says it's so early in the planning that no potential timeline or price tag has been determined.