Train service between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh chugging along for now

Train service connecting Philadelphia, Harrisburg and Pittsburgh will continue “as is” for at least the next year.  Some were worried service could go away in October.

Because the service between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh is shorter than 750 miles, new federal regulations require the states to pick up a major portion of AMTRAK’s costs for operating the line. Craig Schulz of Amtrak says Pennsylvania is one of several states that has not officially come to a funding agreement.

“We’re working through the logistics and the details of the discussions with our states, including PennDOT here in Pennsylvania and we’re optimistic that we are going to be able to meet that deadline,” said Schulz.

PennDOT spokesperson Erin Waters-Trafatt says the state has found enough dollars to keep trains rolling.

“At this point our commitment is to continue the service,” she said. “We may need to look at the situation next year depending on where we stand with transportation funding.”

Neither PennDOT nor Amtrak wanted to discuss how much more money Pennsylvania might provide since they’re in the middle of negotiations.

The 106 mile trip from Philadelphia to Harrisburg costs as little as $27 one-way off-peak.