PORT CLINTON, PA (Railfan Journal) – Pennsylvania’s largest privately-owned railroad, Reading & Northern, has once again surpassed all expectations, marking a remarkable second consecutive year of double-digit growth in both its freight and passenger excursion operations.
In 2023, the Port Clinton-based railroad handled an impressive 37,000 freight cars, a significant increase from the 33,000 cars managed in 2022.
The excursion ridership experienced an extraordinary surge, escalating from 250,000 riders in 2022 to an outstanding 320,000 riders in 2023.
The surge in freight traffic is attributed to two pivotal factors.
Firstly, Reading and Northern reported a substantial uptick in anthracite coal transportation, moving over one million tons—a historic milestone in its 33-year history.
Secondly, the new frac sand terminal in Tunkhannock, operating in its second full year, doubled its volume.
These sectors, along with forest products, petrochemicals, minerals, food and agricultural products, metals, and consumer goods, constitute Reading and Northern’s diverse traffic base.
Additionally, the railroad owns a warehouse, various transload facilities, and a trucking firm, all integral in supporting its core rail business.
Passenger excursion ridership growth can be attributed to the expansion of new services, including the inauguration of the Wilkes Barre/Scranton Regional Railroad Station in Pittston, increased train starts, and enhanced equipment.
“In his 40th year in the railroad business, Andy Muller, Jr., our owner and CEO, has been recognized as one of the innovators in the railroad industry. His dedication to employee well-being, customer focus, and continuous business investment has propelled our success. Over the last three years, Andy’s significant investments in anthracite coal, frac sand, and passenger services have undoubtedly fueled our growth,” stated Wayne Michel, President of Reading and Northern.
Reading & Northern Railroad, headquartered in Port Clinton, is a privately held company serving over 80 customers in nine eastern Pennsylvania counties.
Over its 40-year history, the railroad has expanded operations, handling nearly 40,000 carloads of freight annually and facilitating the transportation of over 200,000 trucks off the highway.
The Passenger Department accommodates 300,000 riders annually, operating over 400 miles of track with nearly 1,800 freight cars and a dedicated team of over 350 employees.
Honored repeatedly as one of the premier railroads in the nation, Reading & Northern’s record-breaking performance in 2023 solidifies its status as an industry leader.