Amtrak and SEPTA officials were joined by disability rights groups and local politicians for the ribbon-cutting celebration for the completion of the Paoli Station Accessibility Improvements Project, writes Pete Bannan for the Daily Times.

The $48 million project took many years to plan and two years to construct. The station boasts a new center platform, a multi-story pedestrian overpass, elevators, ramps, and other improvements that make it accessible to all users.

Among the attendees was Rocco Iacullo of Disability Rights Pennsylvania, which sued Amtrak over lack of handicap access at the Paoli and Exton stations five years ago.

“Freedom Valley Disability Center in Newtown Square came to us about the lack of accessibility, but that’s the old story,” he said. “This is the new story.”

State Sen. Andrew Dinniman took the opportunity to call for Amtrak to move forward on other stations in Chester County, including Downingtown, Coatesville, and Parkesburg.

“I urge Amtrak with every fiber of my body: Get the others done,” he said.

Paoli is the busiest station on SEPTA’s most used regional rail line, with 78 trains passing through every day.

Read more about the Paoli Train Station in the Daily Times here.

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