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Caln Township urges state action to keep Thorndale SEPTA line from cuts
Summary
Caln Township adopted Resolution 2025‑12 urging state legislators to preserve the Paoli–Thorndale SEPTA regional rail service, citing a 57% ridership increase (2021–2024), a reported fall in cost per passenger and projections that cuts would add significant daily vehicle trips to area highways.
Caln Township’s Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on April 24 to adopt Resolution 2025‑12, urging state legislators to preserve the Paoli–Thorndale regional rail service amid proposed SEPTA budget cuts for fiscal 2025–26.
The board said the proposed SEPTA budget released April 10 includes service reductions that could close the Paoli–Thorndale line and called on the General Assembly to consider funding to maintain the route. Mr. Vimisol, who presented the item, described the proposed cuts as driven in part by a multi‑million dollar budget gap and by SEPTA’s options to terminate leases with Amtrak that would reduce SEPTA’s costs by tens of millions of dollars.
The resolution cites local ridership growth and regional planning estimates. According to material read into the record at the meeting, ridership on the Paoli–Thorndale line increased by 57% from 2021–2024 and the cost per passenger reportedly fell by more than 60% in that period. The presentation also referenced a Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission projection that, if the proposed transit cuts proceed, the region could see as many as 275,000 additional vehicle trips per day on area highways.
Supporters at the meeting said losing the line would reduce transit access for residents who rely on trains for commuting and for access to city connections, and would jeopardize transit‑oriented development around Thorndale station. Board members noted the potential impacts not only on commute options but also on regional congestion and local property and economic development.
The board voted 5‑0 to adopt the resolution and directed staff to send letters to state legislators and other officials outlining the township’s position. The resolution and follow‑up letters are intended to inform state budget deliberations that must be completed by July 1.
