SEPTA approves route for proposed KOP rail line from Center City

SEPTA approved a route for a proposed KOP rail line from Center City.

"I see those people riding in their cars constantly and I just think this has got to rob your soul," said Kathleen Yoder about the amount of people sitting in cars enduring a brutal commute every day.

It's especially true of traffic crawling along the Schuylkill up to King of Prussia but Septa is looking to change that.

"Think about that part of your life that you get back," said Yoder. She's excited about the possibility of Septa extending rail service from Center City to King of Prussia.

"Tuesday evening we had reservations down on Locust Street in Philly and got on the Schuylkill expressway and you are just riding bumper to bumper. Oh my God if you could get on and go by train I would certainly go much more," she said.

Today the Septa Board approved a route for the KOP rail line. They say the service would be an extension of the existing Norristown High Speed Line and would mean you could travel straight to King of Prussia from 69th Street Station in Upper Darby or the Norristown Transportation Center.

"This route really provided the best level of access to jobs and access to future development while at the same time impacting the least number of residential areas," said Liz Smith. She's the director of strategic planning for Septa. Most people agree the service would cut down on traffic and Septa says it would cut your time on the road by about 30 minutes each way.

"A lot of people who live in King of Prussia or live around King of Prussia want to take the train down either for a night or they work. It would be a lot easier for them," said Debbie DiBattista.

Sharon Jemmott says 76 is always a nightmare.

"It's crazy. It's absolutely crazy," she said. She hopes the plan goes through.

"I love the whole idea of being able to use public transportation and save gas," she said.

The project is still a long way off. Septa started with 30 possible routes five years ago. This approved one still needs study and design.

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