West Chester wants back in the game with a refurbished rail line to Philly

Written by RT&S Staff
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SEPTA

Call it a modern version of the SEPTA commuter train service, but West Chester officials believe commuters will get the full treatment of what the old rail line offered.

West Chester SEPTA runs were stopped almost four decades ago due to a lack of ridership, but now there is increased interest in establishing another commuter line to Philadelphia.

A more traditional service could cost in the neighborhood of $500 million, which is why the Committee to Reestablish Rail Service to West Chester is calling for battery-powered shuttle trains that would cost $16.4 million.

The use of recycled rail, using battery-powered, zero-emission trains, deferring signalization, and minimizing station costs are some of the elements that are supposed to keep costs down. Track restoration is expected to cost about $9.5 million and station restoration would cost $675,000.

Who will be operating the trains is still up in the air. SEPTA Regional Rail, SEPTA Suburban Transit, the Transportation Management Association of Chester County, and the West Chester Railroad are all potential candidates.

Read more articles on track maintenance.

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