Suburban Station wrote:the most important interagency problem is PATCO/SEPTA (from a Philadelphia perspective). It shoudl be run more like WMATA rather than two separate agencies. I don't get why the state doesn't work with Amtrak to add North Philly and Cornwells to the Keystones, and lower the prices a bit. there's no need for new capital or even interagency cooperation (which I see as more important in NY where NJT wastes vasts amouunts of resources because they treat it as a terminal)
I agree. However, doesn't Pennsylvania provide a significant subsidy to Amtrak already for the Keystone? I'm wondering if Amtrak refuses to lower prices on Keystone trains operating over the Northeast Corridor because transportation over that corridor is a "premium service".
BTW, Cornwells Heights and North Philadelphia are stops with extraordinarily limited weekday service on Keystone Trains. More service to these stops would be great.
Would it be possible to redevelop the station and area? It could really be something if something like a TRID or TOD project were to occur in this area. It might change the bad stigma of North Philadelphia around.
Now, I'm trying to find information on commuter fares for Amtrak, but the website does not make any mention of the "Smart Pass". Am I correct in assuming that Amtrak eliminated this fare option? If so, it would be prudent for the state of Pennsylvania (and to an extent, NJ) to work with Amtrak to make this a viable and affordable option. It would be great to enourage people to live in this state, and would make it easier (and more comfortable) for commuters, rather than have to deal with NJT extending multilevels to Philadelphia, further overcrowding their trains.
Edit note: I just found information on the "Multi-Trip Tickets" via a general search on the web. It's not well posted on the website. Wow, those tickets are pricey.