The Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority is nearing the end of the first phase to restore train service between Philadelphia and Reading, reports Karen Shuey for the Reading Eagle.

In a recent meeting, Executive Director Thomas Frawley announced he will submit the final service plan to the Federal Railroad Administration by Friday. This marks the end of the first phase of the Corridor Identification and Development Program.

The program, which granted $500,000 for the plan’s development, focuses on ridership forecasts, operational analysis, and costs.

Once approved, the service plan will become publicly available, though this could take several weeks. The next step will be to deterimin if the project is feasible from an engineering standpoint. Beyond that, the project moves into the final phase of design and implementation.

The Schuylkill River Passenger Rail will pass through Montgomery County, connecting it to Chester and Berks. This plan aims to reestablish a rail connection that has been absent for four decades. It will offer a new transportation option for residents and boost local connectivity.

A meeting will be held on October 28 to provide updates to the plan and offer the community a chance for input.

As the authority moves forward, Montgomery County residents can anticipate being part of a revived rail network, offering easier travel between Reading, Philadelphia, and beyond.

Read more about the Schuylkill River Passenger Authority’s plan for a new railway at the Reading Eagle.