How good is the local train system in Philly? (Philadelphia: live, move)

[Coolyfett!]

Do a lot of the citizens use it? Is there any plans to expand now that the FEDs are giving out money for rail projects? What is the word in Philly?

[JHG722]

Several million people use it.

[BPP1999]

There's 12 separate "regional rail lines" on the PA side. The R2, the R3, the R5, the R6, the R7, and the R8. Each route goes in and out of Center City from both directions, so these 6 lines times 2 equal 12

There is some overlap in these lines, but for the most part, they are separate lines that go to separate places. People around here complain about SEPTA, who operates the public transportation, but the regional rails have a huge coverage around the city. The only problem is that as more people move further from Center City, the rails need expanding.

There's also the R1 which goes to the aiport.

There's also PATCO which runs a commuter line or 2 from South Jersey.

[Ohiogirl81]

Regional rail is great if you live and work near a rail line.

Not so great if you don't.

[DailyJournalist]

I use the Patco daily and think it is a great system, fast and reliable.

[Tone509]

Too bad the OP is no longer able to read these responses...

While SEPTA in general may be one of the more expensive mass transit systems in the country, it is also IMO one of the more extensive systems as well, in particular with the Regional Rails. PATCO and NJ Transit also augment the coverage from the other side of the river.

It certainly would be nice if the transportation funds from the stimulus package could be used to launch the long-discussed Schuykill Valley Metro aka R6 extension so that convenient rail service can finally relieve some of the traffic going to the King Of Prussia job engine. Perhaps a cross-county rail line that would parallel the PA Turnpike (I-76) similar to how that the Route somewhat mimics the Blue Route (I-476).

[pman]

Originally Posted by Coolyfett!

Do a lot of the citizens use it? Is there any plans to expand now that the FEDs are giving out money for rail projects? What is the word in Philly?

not good enough but better than most. The only project under consideration for Intercity/ARRA funds is the Reading R6 Extension. It's worth noting that additional upgrades to the Lancaster/Harrisburg line will be considered which could put lancaster as close to Philadelphia (time wise) as many suburbs.It's already the same trip time as Doylestown.

[john_starks]

Originally Posted by DailyJournalist

I use the Patco daily and think it is a great system, fast and reliable.

me too! i just wish that it ran more frequently during the reverse commute and weekends.

i don't think i want to sit around for 20-40 mins in camden waiting for a train

[DailyJournalist]

Originally Posted by john_starks

me too! i just wish that it ran more frequently during the reverse commute and weekends.

i don't think i want to sit around for 20-40 mins in camden waiting for a train

Why do you have to wait in Camden? I go straight through.

[john_starks]

Originally Posted by DailyJournalist

Why do you have to wait in Camden? I go straight through.

i go straight through too. i'm talking about off-peak hours. like for this weekend's concert @ the susquahanna center @ camden. i'd like to take the PATCO but apparently it runs every 20-40 mins.