A new Amtrak Thruway Bus Service will launch on Monday, June 6, with two daily round trips connecting Reading and Pottstown to Amtrak’s network via Philadelphia, including services to New York, Boston, Washington, Pittsburgh, New England, Virginia, Florida, and destinations throughout Amtrak’s national network.
Thruway Bus Service will depart and arrive at William H. Gray III 30th Street Station in Philadelphia and will serve the BARTA Transportation Center at 701 Franklin Street in Reading, and the bus stop on Hanover Street across the railroad tracks from the Charles W. Dickinson Transportation Center in Pottstown.
“We are delighted to have this opportunity to connect Reading and Pottstown to the Amtrak network,” said Amtrak Vice President of Long Distance Services Larry Chestler. “Amtrak Thruway services are a vital part of our network that offers more than 1,000 destinations nationwide served either by Amtrak trains or by Amtrak Thruway services.”
The service is being provided by Amtrak in coordination with South Central Transit Authority and Pottstown Area Economic Development.
“South Central Transit Authority (SCTA) is excited to partner, support and promote new Amtrak bus service and transit overall here in Reading,” said Executive Director of the South Central Transit Authority Greg Downing. “With the addition of this regional service connecting Reading and Philadelphia, barriers and opportunities are now opening up, allowing public transit passengers to “Get Carried Away” from the Berks Transit Center (BTC)!”
The service will be operated by Krapf Coaches under an agreement with Amtrak. All buses are ADA accessible. Amtrak Thruway services make coordinated connections with trains and enable passengers to connect with the Amtrak national network. This short video shows how easy it is to use an Amtrak Thruway Bus: https://youtu.be/NW3Fv49vvRc
“The establishment of this Amtrak bus route creates an important physical linkage for Pottstown with Reading and Philadelphia. This investment of providing multiple trips on a daily basis is a tremendously valuable asset for our business community and our residents. The connectivity will only enhance and further the progress that we have experienced in the economic revitalization of Pottstown.” said Pottstown Area Economic Development Executive Director Peggy Lee Clark.
Adult one-way fares are as low as $32 from Reading to Washington, D.C. or New York. Customers can purchase tickets at Amtrak.com, the Amtrak app, or by calling 800-USA-RAIL.
