In contrast to DVRPC's 422Sprawlbuilder, PA-TEC has developed a proposal that addresses the transportation
needs of along the US-422 corridor between King of Prussia, Pottstown and Reading.
PA-TEC's proposal can be implemented faster and
cheaper than DVRPC's 422plus plan (formerly known as SVM).
PA-TEC proposes construction of an additional highway lane in each direction along the existing length of US-422. We recommend designating this newly constructed lane as a premium lane, open exclusively to permit holders. Existing lanes on US-422 would remain free indefinitely. These lanes would be designated a FAST (Fee Accessible Separated Travel) lane, similar to other premium-lane arrangements around the country.
FAST lane permits would be sold through a joint effort by local townships and boroughs along the corridor. Non-residents would purchase permits through the state or county. Municipalities would use this revenue primarily as the local match for US-422 improvement projects, and secondarily to offset the impact of 422 traffic on local roads within each municipality.
PA-TEC proposes implementation of intercity rail service, operated as an Amtrak line, between Wyomissing (near Reading) and 30th Street Station, in Philadelphia, with alternate trains continuing on to either Philadelphia International Airport or New York City.
Service should be similar to Amtrak's successful Harrisburg Line with (6) round trips per day. Service will operate with minimal stops to keep costs down and provide the fastest service. Additional stops can be added as needs arise and funding becomes available.
PA-TEC does not recommend constructing this line as a commuter rail service, as the long distance will discourage use by the relatively limited number of Reading-Philadelphia commuters. This will lead to high costs and poor service. Instead, we believe the best use of this line will be as an intercity service, connecting occasional riders directly to Center City Philadelphia, Philadelphia International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, and New York City, and indirectly to Wilmington, Baltimore, Washington, and beyond with a transfer.
Existing Amtrak equipment remains in storage as a result of cutbacks in Amtrak service over the last decade. This equipment can be brought into service quickly and with minimal investment.