PennDOT Releases 2025 State Rail Plan

David C. Lester

HARRISBURG, Pa. - The 2025 State Rail Plan replaces the 2020 State Rail Plan and provides an assessment of the state's rail needs.

Advancing PA Rail says the document also provides recommendations for rail development. These recommendations include “policies, programs, processes, and projects” to improve service across the state. The document (below) is available for review and comment between now and October 24. On October 16, 2025, a virtual public meeting will be held to highlight information and answer questions.

The 2025 State Rail Plan describes the “role of rail within the Commonwealth’s transportation system” and how local and state governments are organized to support said system. The plan was prepared by PennDOT to meet Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act (PRIAA)’s requirements. According to the Plan, PRIIA’s primary purpose is to provide improved service for passengers and requires every state to have an “approved rail plan as a condition for receiving future rail funding.”

“With more operating railroads than any other state in the country, rail is a critical part of Pennsylvania’s transportation landscape,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “Through this comment period, Pennsylvanians can share their visions for passenger and freight rail across the commonwealth, and we look forward to their feedback.”

2025 State Rail Plan