Pennsylvania Seeks Input on Future of Rail Service
The state is looking for public input on its vision for the future of passenger and freight rail service.
This input will help shape Pennsylvania’s 2025 Rail Plan, a comprehensive guide that will inform state and federal investments in rail infrastructure over the next two decades. A virtual meeting on December 10, from 4 to 5:30 p.m., will provide project updates and allow residents to offer their feedback.
Expanded Passenger Service on the Horizon
The plan includes a new daily roundtrip train service connecting Pittsburgh and New York City, with initial service anticipated to begin in late 2026. This expansion builds upon the state’s commitment to improving passenger rail travel, with the existing Pennsylvanian line between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg. The state also wants to ensure the expanded Pennsylvanian service succeeds. Many local advocates say that increasing bus service to stations along the route would draw more riders. Westmoreland County’s Greensburg and Latrobe stations are currently served by the Westmoreland County Transit Authority.
Second daily departing trains from Pittsburgh are scheduled for 7 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. while westbound trains leaving Harrisburg will depart at 9:45 a.m. and 4:40 p.m., according to PennDOT.
Accessibility and Modernization
The Western Pennsylvanians for Passenger Rail advocacy group —— which advocates for expanded passenger rail service —— wants to see renovations and upgrades to stations along the route, including those in Erie, ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act before the launch of the second daily train.
New, faster trains, capable of reaching speeds up to 125 mph, are expected to be operational by 2026. The advocacy group also suggests further collaboration between PennDOT, the state tourism department, and local agencies, to effectively promote the enhanced passenger rail service once launched.
Infrastructure Investments
To support these expansion plans and reduce delays for both freight and passenger trains, PennDOT is investing $200 million in improvements along the Keystone West corridor between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg, with Norfolk Southern, which owns the tracks, collaborating on this effort. Sixteen projects are planned, including the construction of a new main line track bypassing Amtrak Station in Pittsburgh. This bypass will enable Norfolk Southern to use a second track for its freight trains while passenger trains are stopped at Pittsburgh’s station.
PennDOT spokesperson Alexis Campbell highlighted planned improvements to signal systems and interlocked tracks that enhance safety and prevent collisions. Two of these projects are scheduled for Altoona and Johnstown and a third in Pittsburgh.
###
Here are two PAA related questions for the given title:
## Pennsylvania Seeks Input on Future of Rail Service
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re talking about the future of rail service in Pennsylvania. The state is currently developing its 2025 Rail Plan, which will guide investments in both passenger and freight rail infrastructure for the next two decades. Joining us today to discuss this exciting initiative is [Guest Name], [Guest Title/Affiliation]. Welcome to the show.
**Guest:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** So let’s dive right in. What are some of the key goals of the 2025 Rail Plan?
**Guest:** The plan aims to enhancePennsylvania’s rail system by improving efficiency, safety, and connectivity. A major focus is expanding passenger service, as evidenced by the proposed new daily roundtrip train connecting Pittsburgh and New York City, tentatively scheduled to begin in late 2026. [[1](https://news.yahoo.com/news/penndot-invites-public-virtual-public-021700764.html)],
**Host:** That’s fantastic news for commuters and travelers alike. Beyond this new route, what other initiatives are being explored?
**Guest:** The plan also emphasizes bolstering existing passenger services like the Pennsylvanian line between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg. There’s a strong desire to ensure the success of these expanded services, and local advocates are suggesting complementary measures like increased bus service to stations along the route to make rail travel more accessible. [[1](https://news.yahoo.com/news/penndot-invites-public-virtual-public-021700764.html)]
**Host:** That’s a great point. Making these connections easier really unlocks the potential of rail travel.
**Guest:** Exactly. The goal is to create a truly interconnected and efficient transportation network.
**Host:** Now, we know public input is crucial to shaping this plan. How can Pennsylvanians get involved?
**Guest:** Pennsylvanians are encouraged to attend a virtual public meeting on December 10th from 4 to 5:30 p.m. [[1](https://news.yahoo.com/news/penndot-invites-public-virtual-public-021700764.html)]It’s a chance to learn more about the plan and share their thoughts and ideas. There’s also an online survey available until December 19th for those
who can’t attend the meeting.
**Host:** Excellent. We’ve got all those details online, so viewers can easily access them. Thank you so much for joining us today, [Guest Name], and thank you for shedding light on this important initiative.
**Guest:** My pleasure.
