SEPTA was still running limited commuter train service to Bethlehem up until 1981. Then SEPTA’s big plan for a “center city commuter tunnel” came to pass, resulting in Reading Terminal being converted into Philly’s convention center (a money-loser), and all the diesel trains stopped—other places they served were Newtown and Reading. All SEPTA trains are electric-powered now, and yet that didn’t even stop the electrified network from shrinking—trains from West Chester were cut back to Elwyn.
The creeping government control seems to have been inspired by New York City, itself a basket case. They were loath to have their city-funded subway (infrastructure-wise) operated by private companies, so they imposed a fare cap—the companies could charge no more than 5¢ for decades no matter the length of travel (imagine riding as far as 30 miles for a nickel in the mid-twentieth century?), and by the time the city allowed them to raise fares, the damage was done and the companies were bankrupted.
Doesn’t that just make you disappointed, in the fact that they had a system, if used properly and streamlined for the future, it would have given people transportation to work, and into the city....where no one drives.
I think they had eliminated some of the stops along the way to Bethlehem, Quaker town, Reading etc...meaning less riders. If you don’t stop there, then the loss of use means less revenue. I think closing the train stations could have happened without losing the use of the platform for basic stops early morning and late evening, don’t you?
I left up there mid-70s...but I used to take the train to Philly and other places back then. I loved it. However it goes back to who understands how to make the right changes to preserve the service....evidently no one knew what to do.