Passenger Trains > Reading's former Newtown Branch (SEPTA R8) RIP

This apparently slipped through the cracks on TO's - in fact, it's
the first I've heard of it.

Reading's former Newtown Branch (aka; SEPTA's R8 Line) is currently
having (more) of it's rails ripped out as the Pennypack Rail to Trail
increases in size.

Not looking good for a return to service anytime soon....

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/20140606_Montco_trail_extension_to_start_Friday.html

Hope some of the artifacts are preserved. I assume at this point
they must be up for grabs.

/Mitch

I just wonder if there is a plan to remove the trestle/bridge over the Pennypack Creek just outside Bethayers.

Jim

Mgoldman Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> This apparently slipped through the cracks on TO's
> - in fact, it's
> the first I've heard of it.
>
> Reading's former Newtown Branch (aka; SEPTA's R8
> Line) is currently
> having (more) of it's rails ripped out as the
> Pennypack Rail to Trail
> increases in size.
>
> Not looking good for a return to service anytime
> soon....

Only the truly delusional think there is any reason to spend hundreds of millions restoring an unelectrified single track line with no passing sidings and no parking and station sites so small they can only hold a 4 car train and no points on the line not within a ten minute drive of a line with 15 minute peak service intervals (west Trenton).

abyler Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Only the truly delusional think there is any
> reason to spend hundreds of millions restoring an
> unelectrified single track line with no passing
> sidings and no parking and station sites so small
> they can only hold a 4 car train and no points on
> the line not within a ten minute drive of a line
> with 15 minute peak service intervals (west
> Trenton).

Yeah - but imagine seeing a steam tourist line in
its place! There was talk of that a long time ago.

There was also talk of making it a light rail line
and even a bus line.

It's an incredibly scenic line - shame to see the
chance to ride it likely gone forever - unless, of
course, you intend to walk or bike it. Just not
the same...

As for the trestle(s), I imagine they will be re-
habilitated and paved over.

/Mitch

Seems to me the scenery is an argument in favor of the bike trail, not against.