State officials are preparing bus alternatives as SEPTA rail cuts threaten Delaware commuters. (Photo by Jarrett Stewart)

No more trains to Philly? DART responds to SEPTA cutbacks

Claudia EstradaGovernment, Government & Politics, Headlines, Town Square Live

Delaware transit officials are bracing for major service disruptions as SEPTA, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, faces a $213 million funding shortfall that could gut commuter rail service between Philadelphia and northern Delaware. At a July 1 informational webinar hosted by DART (Delaware Transit Corporation), state planners outlined proposed SEPTA service reductions and DART’s potential response—including a new bus bridge …

The Broad-Ridge Spur would be shut down entirely, along with five Regional Rail lines: the Cynwyd Line, Chestnut Hill West Line, Paoli/Thorndale Line, Trenton Line, and the Wilmington/Newark Line. (Photo by Andrew Adams on Unsplash)

Recent SEPTA cuts would shut down Wilmington/Newark line amid massive budget crisis

Claudia EstradaCulture, Economy, Headlines, Town Square Live

Facing a historic funding crisis, SEPTA unveiled a proposed budget Wednesday that would slash nearly half of its service, raise fares, and cut staff. If implemented, the Wilmington/Newark Line would be shut down, along with other major rail services. The proposal, driven by a looming $213 million deficit for the upcoming fiscal year starting July 1, includes a 45% reduction …

Claymont master plan

Plan promotes rail service, bicycling, walking, EV charging

Ken MammarellaHeadlines, Government

Railroad passengers, bicyclists, pedestrians and charging stations for electric vehicles are all important parts of the Wilmington Area Planning Council’s $2.8 billion 2025-2028 Transportation Improvement Plan. Yes, there are also some projects that clearly are for gas-powered motor vehicles, but alternative means of transportation are increasingly being prioritized. IN THE NEWS: NBN Sports Academy opens new facility in Hockessin The …

train A study starts in 2024 to resume passenger rail service from Wilmington (shown in this photo) or Newark to downstate Delaware. (David Wilson photo from Wikimedia Commons)

DelDOT to study restoring passenger rail service downstate

Ken MammarellaGovernment, Headlines

A Delaware Department of Transportation unit has received a federal grant of up to $500,000 to study bringing back passenger rail service to the Delmarva Peninsula. “The Diamond State Line will provide rail service south from Wilmington or Newark through Dover to Harrington, and then continue southbound along one of two potential routes, based on the presence of existing railroad …

claymont rail front

SEPTA train service starts Dec. 4 at new Claymont station

Ken MammarellaGovernment, Headlines

SEPTA commuter train service to the new Claymont Transportation Center starts Dec. 4, increasing the community’s attractiveness to businesses and residents and reducing hassles for commuting into – and just visiting – Philadelphia The new station is a centerpiece of redevelopment of 425 acres on Philadelphia Pike, just south of the Pennsylvania line, that for decades was a steel mill. …