SEPTA Issues RFP for King of Prussia Rail

SEPTA’s King of Prussia Rail project will extend the existing Norristown High Speed Line (NHSL) four miles into King of Prussia, providing a “one-seat” ride from any station along the NHSL.

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the final design phase of the King of Prussia Rail (KOP Rail) project.

The project will extend the existing Norristown High Speed Line (NHSL) four miles into King of Prussia and include five stations (see map below). It will provide a “one-seat” ride from any station along the NHSL, including the 69th Street Transportation Center in Upper Darby and the Norristown Transportation Center.

“KOP Rail will connect the three largest employment hubs in the region—Center City, University City, and King of Prussia—increasing equity by increasing access to jobs and opportunities with frequent and reliable transit service,” SEPTA General Manager and CEO Leslie S. Richards said.

In October 2021, KOP Rail entered the Project Development Phase of the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Capital Investment Grant program. (It was issued a combined Final Environmental Impact Statement/Record of Decision by FTA in January 2021.)

SEPTA included $390 million for KOP Rail in the recently released proposed Fiscal Year 2023 Capital Budget and 12-Year Program. The agency said the project is a key component of SEPTA Forward, its strategic plan that focuses on increased connectivity, access and equity.