The Reading Railroad, historically a significant railway company, primarily operated in southeastern Pennsylvania, connecting the coal regions with Philadelphia and other major cities. While the original Reading Company no longer operates as a railroad, its legacy and physical lines persist, having been absorbed and repurposed by other major railway systems.
Historical Reach of the Reading Railroad
During its operational peak, the Reading Railroad was instrumental in transporting anthracite coal from the Pennsylvania coalfields to various markets, including Philadelphia and New York. Its network extended throughout southeastern Pennsylvania, with key routes serving:
- Coal Region to Philadelphia: This was its primary corridor, facilitating the movement of vital coal resources.
- Commuter Lines: It also operated extensive commuter rail services in the Philadelphia metropolitan area.
- Freight Operations: Beyond coal, it handled a wide variety of general freight.
The company's strategic network of tracks, bridges, and stations once spanned hundreds of miles across the state.
The Evolution and Dissolution of the Reading Railroad
The Reading Company faced financial difficulties and entered bankruptcy in the 1970s. Its railroad operations were eventually absorbed into Conrail in 1976, marking the end of the Reading Railroad as an independent operating entity. However, the Reading Company continued to exist as a real estate holding and investment company. By the time it emerged from bankruptcy in 1980, it had successfully sold off 350 of its real estate tracts.
Current Status of Former Reading Lines
The infrastructure that once comprised the Reading Railroad's extensive network is largely still in use today, albeit under new ownership. Following the dissolution of Conrail, its assets were divided between two major freight railroad companies:
- Norfolk Southern Railway (NS): As of 1999, most of the former Reading Company lines became part of the Norfolk Southern Railway system. These lines are now integral components of Norfolk Southern's vast freight network, carrying a variety of goods across the eastern United States.
- CSX Transportation: The remaining portions of Conrail, including some former Reading lines, were acquired by CSX Transportation.
Transition of Reading Railroad Lines
| Era | Entity in Control | Primary Function | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-1976 | Reading Company | Freight (coal, general) & Passenger (commuter) | Independent railroad operation in Pennsylvania. |
| 1976 – 1999 | Conrail | Freight & Passenger (some commuter lines) | Railroad operations absorbed during bankruptcy. |
| 1999 – Present | Norfolk Southern Railway | Primarily Freight (integral part of NS network) | Most former Reading lines acquired during Conrail split. |
| 1999 – Present | CSX Transportation | Primarily Freight | Other portions of former Conrail (including some Reading assets). |
| 1980 – Present | Reading Company (holding) | Real estate, investment, non-railroad operations | Emerged from bankruptcy as a non-railroad entity, sold real estate. |
In essence, while the Reading Railroad no longer exists as a distinct operating entity, its physical footprint lives on as a crucial part of the modern railway infrastructure of Norfolk Southern and, to a lesser extent, CSX Transportation.
