Studying rail service

Angela Watson, PennDOT’s special assistant to the deputy secretary for multi-modal transportation, said a consultant has begun work to review previous studies about changes that would be needed for more rail passenger service. The state wants to find out if it would be more feasible to expand service in smaller steps, she said.

The study, complete with three potential service plans and a ridership estimate, should be ready next spring. In addition to Amtrak, Ms. Watson said, the study will consider whether a private operator could run the service.

The governor recognizes the need to consider expanding rail passenger service despite previous studies that showed it would be too expensive, spokesman J.J. Abbott said in an email.

“PennDOT is taking this step by step and wanted to look more closely at one portion of the Harrisburg to Pittsburgh corridor,” he said. “PennDOT wants to see if the market is there for additional commuter service between Altoona and Pittsburgh.”

Mark Spada of Western Pennsylvanians for Passenger Rail said, “We’re certainly delighted this step was taken, but it doesn’t accurately represent the need for train service farther east.” The group has been working for years with the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership to lobby for more service to the state capital. Stopping at Altoona would miss “the full potential” of expanding service to Harrisburg, he said.