1. West Chester Borough Council Restoration of Rail Service Ad-Hoc Committee Initial Committee Meeting West Chester Borough Hall July 23, 2014

2.  Historical Overview  Challenges to restore service  Opportunities to restore service  Next steps The purpose of the Committee is to cause, as soon as possible, the reestablishment of rail service to West Chester. Today’s Presentation

3. Historical Overview

4.  1832: West Chester to Philadelphia via Malvern  1858: West Chester to Philadelphia via Media  1880: Rerouted Malvern to Frazer

5. Historical Overview  1920s: West Chester Branch Electrified  1960: Frazer Branch abandoned

6. Historical Overview

7.  11 stations on Branch  1986 ridership: 108 trips ­ 92 trips at Borough stations

8. Historical Overview

9.  Service suspended September 1986  Amtrak rock trains operate to Glen Mills quarry  West Chester Railroad starts excursion trains  SEPTA planning to extend service to Wawa

10. Challenges  Infrastructure ­ Track ­ Signals ­ Grade Crossings ­ Stations/Parking ­ Electrification (maybe)  Funding ­ Capital Design Construction ­ Operating

11. Challenges  SEPTA ­ State-of-Good-Repair is the highest priority ­ Limited enthusiasm for expansion projects  West Chester RR ­ Private investments to keep operating ­ Can the two services co-exist?  Service Potential

12. Opportunities  Residential Growth ­ Significant development in commuter-shed since 1986 ­ “Rediscovery” of Borough living  Shifts in Commuting ­ Transit ridership continues to grow Especially on rail

13. Opportunities  Technology options ­ Silverliner V “EMUs” Requires re-electrification from Wawa to West Chester Most integrated option ­ ALP45DP Locomotives New technology Electric or diesel operation Forestalls need for re- electrification ­ Lightweight “DMUs” Cost-effective choice for frequent shuttle service Can operate on street trackage in mixed traffic Cannot mix with other trains

14. Next Steps  Compile information and data on issues relating to the return of the rail service  Prepare a history of the rail line  Advise Council of County, State, regional, national and private plans, actions, meetings, hearings, and conferences as they develop that have or may have a bearing on the return of the rail service  Ascertain what groups, organizations, individuals and the like, that are, or are likely to become, allied in securing reestablishment of rail service to West Chester  Attend and/or participate in activities and gatherings, at the request of Council, in furtherance of reestablishing rail service  Serve as advocates for the return of the rail service at events and forums

15. If we could first know where we are, and whither we are tending, we could better judge what to do, and how to do it. Abraham Lincoln Next Steps

16. Discussion Restoration of Rail Service Ad-Hoc Committee