In 2024, ESI was contracted by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) to assist in its application for funding through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant program to improve passenger rail service on the Keystone Corridor and provide additional services to Coatesville, PA. The project entails improvements to the Keystone East segment, which links Philadelphia and Harrisburg as it is a heavily traveled rail corridor that hosts Amtrak intercity passenger trains, the SEPTA Paoli-Thorndale line, and freight rail (Norfolk-Southern) services. Infrastructure includes improved intermodal connections at Coatesville station, a turnback track, and an improved signal system to accommodate SEPTA service.
ESI’s analysis included a benefit-cost analysis and an equity analysis. The benefit-cost analysis identifies and quantifies the economic and social benefits generated by the Coatesville Service Extension, such as safety improvements, travel time savings, pollution reductions, and other benefits. These benefits are monetized following guidance from the US DOT and compared to the development and ongoing costs associated with the project.
The equity analysis involved the comparison of demographics at multiple geographic levels around the improvements covered in the CRISI application. The analysis also compared general population demographics with public transit user demographics. Following CRISI guidance, ESI’s assessment addresses the degree to which the project promotes racial equity, barriers to opportunity, and serves underserved communities.
The planned improvements will not only benefit SEPTA but operators and riders of the Keystone Corridor, including Amtrak that runs the route between Philadelphia and Harrisburg. Infrastructure improvements will improve safety for Amtrak and SEPTA riders and residents in Coatesville. This project will also reduce the need for personal vehicle use by providing reliable and appealing alternative options for all commuters.
The economic benefits created by the proposed project will directly affect both passengers and businesses utilizing the railroad network. Improved operating conditions will mean shorter trips for current passengers. Completing the project will also take vehicles off the road in favor of SEPTA and Amtrak usage and will thus present a large measure of savings for riders, including reductions in travel time and fuel costs for those new transit riders. Additionally, the proposed project will increase safety and prevent injuries and damage from crashes. Overall, the project benefits well exceeding its costs.
ESI performed a benefit-cost analysis to quantify the economic value of the planned improvements, as well as a brief memo detailing findings from this effort.
