Rail service study on the right track

Laurel for SEPTA officials and representatives from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission for investigating the restoration of passenger rail service into the Indian Valley.

In the SEPTA budget approved last week by the transit agency’s board of directors, several projects are included as long-term planning efforts, one of which is the study of “the feasibility of restoring passenger rail service linking Bucks County and North Penn communities with Center City Philadelphia, via Lansdale.

Passenger rail service from Lansdale north to Quakertown and beyond ran for more than a century, by the Reading Railroad and later by SEPTA under contact with Conrail, until July 1981. At that time, SEPTA ended the service after losses of federal and state subsidies combined with falling ridership and years of losses running that line, according to Reporter archives.

After falling out of favor in the later part of the 20th century, passenger rail service has once again become a popular mode of transportation for many in the region. According to SEPTA statistics, the Lansdale-Doylestown line carried 4.6 million passengers in 2013, up from 3.5 million in 2003.

The expansion of rail service could help alleviate some traffic congestion along the Route 309 corridor, one of the region’s most heavily traveled thoroughfares. Train service could also be a boost for several communities along the line, such as Telford.

While no guarantees have been made, we’re pleased to see SEPTA is at least open to the possibility. The interest has been there for quite some time.

Laurel for Bong Pil Yang, owner of Yang’s Martial Arts studio in North Wales, who is spearheading an effort to create a permanent memorial for the thousands of soldiers who gave their lives in the Korean War.

Fundraising is now underway for a Korean War memorial in Montgomery Township, and anyone interested can now contribute to a lasting legacy for those veterans.

“For we Americans of Korean descent, June 25, 1950 is a very important date, for it was on that day that America entered the Korean War, true to its promise,” Yang said. “Without that timely intervention, all of the Korean-Americans here today would be living in the bondage of the communist-supported and inspired North Korea.”

According to the U.S. Department of Defense, more than 36,000 Americans were killed during the Korean War, which has unfortunately becoming known colloquially as “The Forgotten War.” Like the generations before them, these brave soldiers gave their lives so that others could live a life free from oppression and tyranny.

We applaud Yang’s efforts to keep the memory of these heroes alive, and to celebrate the brotherhood between Americans and Koreans.

Laurel for the dozes of local businesses who have once again stepped up by committing to help Manna on Main Street’s annual Florence Nightingale challenge.

The yearlong challenge takes its name from the famous 19th century social reformer Florence Nightingale, and it, in the spirit of her work to aid the poor and vulnerable, asks local businesses to hold a creative fundraiser to benefit Manna on Main Street in its mission to end hunger in the North Penn region, according to Manna’s website.

The first events of the 201516 Florence Nightingale Challenge took place in May. Wholistics Fitness in North Wales and The Center for Longevity each collected donations for Manna on Main Street during open houses while Total Body Rehab held a 50/50 raffle to benefit Manna at its Patient Appreciation Day.

Kudos to more than 40 business in the area which will contribute to this worthwhile cause. It’s gratifying to live in a community where there are so many people willing pitch in to help those in need. That’s what Manna on Main Street is all about.