PHIA News Digest – Vol. 5, No. 41
Philly-area urban planner says COVID-19 hasn’t ended driving
A recent study, by accounting and consulting firm KPMG, suggests a nationwide decline in the number of people on the roads may never recover from the pandemic, but a Philadelphia-area expert says the effect has been highly exaggerated.
Legislation would transfer Amtrak line to Pennsylvania
Legislation recently introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives would require Amtrak to transfer ownership of the Keystone East Line to Pennsylvania.
Amtrak wants billions in additional funding for the Northeast Corridor
Amtrak wants more than $1.7 billion in federal tax dollars for the Northeast Corridor, William J. Flynn, Amtrak’s president & CEO, said in a letter to congressional leaders. The money is part of more than $4.8 billion the railroad wants in the 2021 fiscal year to help it recover from COVID-19. Amtrak says it might need to eliminate 2,400 jobs and curtail service if it doesn’t get the money.
SEPTA adjusts expectations on regional rail ridership
The continuing effects of COVID-19 on the Philadelphia region has forced SEPTA to adjust expectations for the return of regional rail riders and for restoring more train service.
