New Study: The Benefits of SEPTA's King of Prussia Rail Project
Earlier this month, the Economy League released a new report detailing the economic impacts of the King of Prussia Rail Project in front of a packed house at the Sheraton Valley Forge for our Connecting with the King World Class Infrastructure Forum.
The King of Prussia Rail Project aligns with the World Class infrastructure agenda’s emphasis on strategic investments to strengthen transportation connections between Greater Philadelphia’s economic hubs. As Rob McNeill, Economy League board chair and managing partner of Greater Philadelphia for Deloitte, said in his opening remarks, “Our region’s footprint has evolved over time. We have to lay the groundwork for strategic expansion that aligns our transportation system with 21st century needs.”
The Connecting KOP study quantifies benefits associated with SEPTA’s King of Prussia Rail Project including job growth, shorter commute times, reduced congestion, and increased development. The analysis provides a range of estimated impacts based on different alternatives for the rail extension.
Notable findings include:
- Development stimulated by the introduction of King of Prussia Rail is expected to add four to eight million square feet of new development and $540 million–$946 million to the value of King of Prussia real estate over 20 years.
- Transit travel time savings to King of Prussia are projected at 30+ minutes from Center City, 20+ minutes from Norristown, and 10+ minutes from Upper Darby.
- Less-congested routes as a result of the introduction of a rail transit option to King of Prussia will save drivers 1.7 million–2.1 million hours per year.
At the forum, following remarks from Montgomery County Commissioner Val Arkoosh and SEPTA Deputy General Manager Rich Burnfield, Economy League Managing Director Nick Frontino presented an overview of study findings. Steve Wray then moderated a panel discussion on the project’s potential impact with local civic and business leaders Chris Giangrasso, Senior Vice President, HR, Communications and Site Services for Arkema, Inc.; Robert Hart, General Manager of the King of Prussia Mall for Simon Property Group; Crandall Jones, Municipal Administrator for the Municipality of Norristown; and Justin Schor, Principal at Wells & Associates. Justin spoke about the parallels between the King of Prussia rail project and the Silver Line metro extension to Tysons, Virginia.
Visit our newsroom to read the extensive media coverage of the Connecting KOP report and forum.
View photos from the Connecting with the King World Class Infrastructure Forum.