The Montgomery County Planning Commission (MCPC), in cooperation with the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC), has initiated the R6 Norristown Line Service Extension Study. The study will determine the feasibility of restoring passenger rail service between communities along the Route 422 corridor in Montgomery, Chester, and Berks counties and Center City Philadelphia. As the region continues to grow, traffic is increasing along Route 422. Commuter rail would provide another transportation option for residents commuting to Philadelphia and could also provide a catalyst for development and redevelopment in well established towns such as Phoenixville, Royersford, Pottstown, and Reading.

Over the past 15 years, feasibility studies, a major investment study, and a draft environmental impact statement (MIS/DEIS) of the Schuylkill Valley Metro (SVM) concept linking Reading to Philadelphia via King of Prussia were prepared for the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) with the hope that SVM would be eligible for federal dollars to help pay for the $2.2 billion project. The financial considerations of the project led the FTA to rank SVM as "Not Recommended" and the project is no longer being pursued. However, local officials, businesses, and residents continue to support the restoration of passenger rail service in the area. Through the R6 Norristown Service Extension Study, Montgomery County is exploring lower-cost rail options and various innovative funding sources to determine whether rail service may still be viable in the corridor. Over the first six months of 2008, MCPC will work with a consultant team of engineers and planners to analyze service and funding alternatives that will result in recommendations for a potential commuter rail service.

In a separate initiative, the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce /CEO Growth Council is studying the financial and institutional arrangements that would support the restoration of rail service along the R6 line. To take advantage of this opportunity, the MCPC invited the Chamber to participate in and contribute to the County’s R6 Extension Study.

The draft study recommendations are expected in June 2008.

For more information visit www.r6extension.com.