The Central Pennsylvania House Delegation and the House Transportation Committee held a public information meeting Friday morning in Reading to address the region’s transportation needs, priorities, and potential funding options. Watch the full meeting in the embedded video.
The event, which took place at City Hall, brought together key transportation stakeholders, including representatives from PennDOT, the South Central Transit Authority, and the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority.
One of the major topics discussed was the proposed Schuylkill River Passenger Rail project, which aims to re-establish passenger rail service between Reading and Philadelphia after more than 40 years. This project is seen as a vital link in improving regional connectivity, boosting economic development, and providing more accessible transit options for residents in both urban and rural areas.
State Rep. Manuel Guzman Jr., who chairs the Central Pennsylvania House Delegation, highlighted the importance of public transportation systems and infrastructure development for the region. “Public transit systems and infrastructure development plans are critical factors for economic development and a top priority for our delegation,” Guzman said. “We want to ensure that residents in urban and rural areas get equal access to convenient ways of transportation.”
In addition to the passenger rail project, the meeting covered updates on road and bridge repair, public transit improvements, and discussions on potential funding sources for these critical projects. Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Secretary Michael Carroll, along with other transportation authorities, participated in the event, providing insight into the future of transportation infrastructure in Berks County.
The Reading meeting is part of the Moving PA Forward series, one of eight informational sessions the House Transportation Committee is holding across Pennsylvania. These meetings aim to gather input on how transportation projects impact job creation, public safety, and community services.
