Can NS & SEPTA Play nice Norristown to Reading?

[jfrey40535]

There's a big push to move the R6 extension back to Wyomissing. Either a diesel, dual mode or electric. Since the Reading corridor is one of NS's busiest in the area, how likely is it that the passenger trains won't get in the way of the growing frieght market.

What is NS going to charge SEPTA (the assumed operator) to run on their lines?

[PARailWiz]

My understanding was that Norfolk Southern originally wanted SEPTA to rebuild the old PRR low-grade lines to make up for the lost capacity (this under the very expensive, high frequency light-rail-ish plan). Even with more low-key diesel passenger service I'm sure there would be new track and sidings laid to increase capacity at the very least. Given the growing traffic base and the new intermodal terminal construction NS has announced in Philadelphia and other places they may still try to get the low-grade routes rebuilt.

[gp80mac]

My understanding was that Norfolk Southern originally wanted SEPTA to rebuild the old PRR low-grade lines to make up for the lost capacity (this under the very expensive, high frequency light-rail-ish plan). Even with more low-key diesel passenger service I'm sure there would be new track and sidings laid to increase capacity at the very least. Given the growing traffic base and the new intermodal terminal construction NS has announced in Philadelphia and other places they may still try to get the low-grade routes rebuilt.

Nope. NS has officially passed ownership of the Low Grade to the municipalities it passes through. Parts are already opened up as a trail, and at least one overpass has been removed (with more to follow, I'm sure). The low grade is officially dead.

[Big Bri]

Plus that, the bridges at Martic Forge and Safe Harbor on the old A&S Branch(Low Grade)have been condemmed.
It's a Trail from here on out!

Bri

[RDGTRANSMUSEUM]

is the safe harbor bridge coming down? Don't look for pass service to Reading anytime soon,given the city of Reading and BARTA just severed ties. I.E. no money.

[raildan]

With all this dithering and ROW abandonment, it doesn't look like the Reading-Norristown R6 extension will ever happen.

[BuddSilverliner269]

Sure they can play nice. Septa needs to pay for upgrades to the line such as rule 261 signalling, station work etc etc, but NS is playing hardball for a line that see so few trains a day anymore. The line sees what 10 trains a day each way maybe.

[Big Bri]

20E/21E
20Q/21Q
38G/39G
14G/17G
66Z/67Z
68T/69T
66K
500/502/506 Coal
501/507 mty Hopps
H-48/H-49

http://www.parailfan.com/NS/harrisburg_ ... hedule.pdf
Nick Anshant's schedule of NS HARL.

Bri

[PARailWiz]

Keep in mind that NS (and CSX) are shareholder owned companies...they can't give away valuable assets, and to build a line from scratch to Reading would be astronomically costly. As BuddSilverliner269 says, if SEPTA (or someone) is willing to make it worth their while than NS will play nice.

[Big Bri]

If ONLY Septa and PADot would have made that deal back in 2001-02 w/NS.........we'd have the A&S Branch back.
Now it's just a trail.
Though, dealing with Amtrak between PARK and GLEN would have been a whole 'nother issue.
Especially with "Double Stacks" and the Catenary.
Big Bri

[gp80mac]

Is there any serious demand for Reading - Philly commuter service? Seems like an oddball pair.

[Kaback9]

Is there any serious demand for Reading - Philly commuter service? Seems like an oddball pair.

That is a good question, but I would think there has to be at least some for SEPTA to be looking at it.

[PARailWiz]

The intent of the Reading service is to relieve congestion on Route 422. This corridor has seen considerable development in the past couple of decades between Norristown and Reading.