Image courtesy of SEPTA Facebook
Amtrak is receiving money to increase rail efficiency and reliability, and SEPTA will improve service capacity along the Northeast Corridor.
U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) and U.S. Representatives Brendan Boyle (D-PA-2), Dwight Evans (D-PA-3), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-5), and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-6) secured a total of $407,884,020 to improve rail infrastructure in Southeastern Pennsylvania. The awards come from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)’s Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grants program and were made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. These investments will make trains in the region more efficient and reliable for generations to come.
“Rail transportation must be safe, reliable, and efficient for all Pennsylvanians. These investments in Amtrak and SEPTA will help make key improvements to rail infrastructure that will substantially improve train travel in Southeastern Pennsylvania,” said Casey. “Thanks to the infrastructure law, we can keep improving our rail lines to ensure that our Commonwealth can continue running full steam ahead.”
"These investments are a big deal for Pennsylvania’s rail system. From closing gaps on the Keystone Line for a smoother ride, to putting nearly $400 million into critical upgrades on the Philly-to-Paoli stretch, we're making Amtrak safer and more reliable for the Pennsylvanians who depend on it. And with the support for SEPTA’s Regional Rail, we’re seeing follow-through on our push to prioritize this critical system as it faces a pivotal moment in its fiscal future,” said Fetterman. “These awards will help make everyday life easier, safer, and more convenient for the people who rely on these services, and I’m proud to see us moving forward with projects that put our communities first."
"This grant, which I proudly voted for through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will enable SEPTA to make much-needed infrastructure upgrades to deliver faster, safer, and more reliable service," said Boyle. "This funding builds on the hundreds of millions of dollars I helped deliver for SEPTA earlier this year and is yet another example of the historic investments we are delivering to modernize SEPTA’s aging infrastructure."
“I’m pleased to see over $400 million in federal funding being awarded to help SEPTA and Amtrak run more smoothly in Philadelphia and the region. Both SEPTA and Amtrak play an important role in our economy and in reducing air pollution and traffic congestion,” said Evans.
“Reliable public transportation is critical to a thriving economy,” said Scanlon. “I’m pleased to see this new funding from the Federal Rail Administration to revitalize our transportation infrastructure, create good-paying jobs, and bolster our regional economy for years to come.”
“We know our rail infrastructure needs to be significantly improved, and this investment of over $407 million is a testament to the Federal Railroad Administration's commitment to strengthening our passenger rail," said Houlahan. "With thousands of people traveling through Paoli and Exton stations each year on Amtrak and SEPTA, these critical projects—including the addition of a new interlocking in Exton and the extensive improvements to the Paoli and Zoo substations—will enhance the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the passenger experience. Addressing infrastructure gaps, such as the 15-mile stretch between Paoli and Thorndale, is essential for creating a more resilient and dependable rail system that supports our growing regional needs.”
The $407,884,020 in federal funding will support key infrastructure improvements that will increase Amtrak and SEPTA rail efficiency in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Amtrak is receiving $397,251,476 to repair an 18-mile segment on the Keystone Corridor between Philadelphia and Paoli. The project will increase reliability along the line by replacing the Bryn Mawr substation and building new electrical poles, catenary structures, and transmission lines. Additionally, Amtrak is receiving $7,432,544 to increase efficiency along the Keystone Corridor by building a new interlocking in Exton. Rail interlockings allow for trains to pass one another safely, which expands railway capacity and improves efficiency. SEPTA is receiving $3,200,000 to begin work to increase capacity along the segment of the Northeast Corridor (NEC) between Trenton, NJ and Newark, DE.
This funding will support a study called the “SEPTA Reimagining Regional Rail Master Plan,” which will focus on how to increase capacity and reduce train interference.
