Phase 1 (15% design) of KOP Rail’s preliminary engineering is complete, resulting in the release of the Refined Route. Phase 1 refined the rail alignment, station locations, and station design, as well as assessed potential property and environmental impacts. The combined Final Environmental Impact Statement/Record of Decision, which identifies opportunities to reduce or mitigate potential impacts, was signed by SEPTA and the Federal Transit Administration on January 8, 2021.

KOP Rail will connect Center City, University City, and KOP—the area’s three largest employment centers. Five stations are proposed along the route: one station and park-and-ride at Henderson Road; two stations north of KOP Mall; and two stations along Moore Park KOP (including a park-and-ride at the terminal station).

The current phase is funded through a federal earmark. Partial funding is anticipated through the Federal Transit Administration’s New Starts program. A 20-year Financial Plan, currently in development, will consider a wide range of future funding options. This could include state, regional, or county funding, private investment and innovative finance options.

SEPTA provides opportunities for the public to learn more about the KOP Rail Project and to give input to the project team. Several public meetings have occurred throughout the process to date.