Though expensive, the King of Prussia rail line is necessary

Imagine a rail line that connects King of Prussia – the largest employment center in suburban Philadelphia– to Philadelphia’s Center City and University City neighborhoods. It would allow commuters to bypass the daily gridlock on I-76, one of the most highly congested roadways in the country, and make the commute between the King of Prussia Mall and City Hall in less than 45 minutes via an express train. It would introduce a reliable transit service to improve the mobility, accessibility and connectivity of all travelers – residents, commuters, shoppers, students and visitors alike – across the Greater Philadelphia region.

Only it’s not just an idea, it’s a very real vision that will be made possible in the near future via the King of Prussia Rail (KOP Rail) Project – a planned extension of SEPTA’s existing Norristown High Speed Line, which already provides service between Norristown and 69th Street transportation centers. Together, the King of Prussia Rail Coalition, made up of key regional leaders in business, education, health care, transportation and labor, is working diligently to support SEPTA’s vision.

Recognizing the changing needs of the growing community around us – particularly seniors, people with disabilities, millennials and students – we believe that the KOP Rail Project will provide convenient access to all of the phenomenal medical centers, educational institutions, shopping, dining and entertainment that the Philadelphia region has to offer, while cutting down on traffic congestion and parking needs. And the benefit doesn’t stop there; we anticipate that new public rail service will increase local home values and commercial real estate – leading to more local tax revenues for the local Montgomery County and Upper Merion Township coffers. The project will also help to support Upper Merion’s vibrant and growing business community, which currently supports 60,000 jobs.

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