How would you use the Waterfront Rain Line?  


The Master Plan for the Central Delaware called for improved public transit on Delaware Avenue. This idea was supported in subsequent studies by DRWC in our Waterfront Transit Study and other agencies. Enhancing and increasing transit along the Waterfront is a DRWC priority, but implementing significant projects continues to be a heavy lift in the current funding environment.

Recently, DRWC was approached by Pop-Up Metro, whose mission is to lower the barriers to new transit infrastructure by bringing repurposed train cars and ADA-accessible modular platforms to underused rail lines. Pop-Up Metro has worked in a few locales across the U.S. and internationally on potential projects and has a working line in the suburbs of Pittsburgh. They developed a partnership with the Philadelphia Beltline. This agency controls a portion of the existing rail line on Delaware Avenue to investigate the potential of bringing this idea to the waterfront. DRWC has joined this partnership to support and provide guidance on community and stakeholder outreach and assist in the operation of the train should the project be realized. The project team is coordinating closely with the Federal Rail Administration (FRA), other railroads, the City, and PennDOT to determine the feasibility of a pilot project focused on the area roughly between Race Street and Reed Street.

  • surveyclose email
Take the Waterfront Rail Line Survey


At this conceptual phase of the project, the partners are still determining details like the exact start and end points of a pilot project, the specific stops, schedule, and fare structure. To aid in that effort, we're reaching out to Waterfront residents, visitors, and adjacent neighbors to help inform the planning study as it moves forward. Take the Waterfront Rail Line Survey (available through February 10, 2025) and look for more updates on this project in the coming months.

This study is in collaboration with Pop-Up Metro, The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation, Railroad Development Corporation, The Philadelphia Belt Line Railroad , Carnegie Mellon University, National Science Foundation Civic Innovation Challenge, Metro Labs, and Hinge Collective.

News and Updates

 
General

Title

Learn More