W

inter 2015

ONNECTIONS
CHESTER COUNTYS TRANSPORTATION NEWSLETTER

IN THIS ISSUE

Chester County
Train Stations
Improvements

US 202 OPENS SIX NEW

LANES OF TRAVEL

VISTA 2025 & TMACC

Paoli, Exton, Downingtown,

Coatesville, and Parkesburg. Learn
what PennDOTs Bureau Director of
Aviation, Jennie Granger, said about
Chester Countys five growing train
stations at TMACCs Fall Luncheon!

PAGE 6

A Perfect Partnership
Chester County has a plan to guide the
countys economic development efforts
for the next decade. See the impact
transportation has on this plan and how
TMACC is a part of the partnership.
All six lanes on US 202 section 320
are now open for commuters! Find out
PAGE 4
more about the projects improvements,
plus updates on Route 100 and
MEET OUR NEW
SEPTAs New Payment Technology.
TMACC MEMBERS
PNC
E. Kahn Development
Franklin Commons

PAGE 8

PAGE 5

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Complimentary parking and WiFi
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610-648-3209

Penn State Great Valley, 30 E. Swedesford Rd., Malvern, PA 19355

A LETTER FROM TIM

s we enter 2015, the

Transportation Management
Association of Chester County
will face new and difficult challenges
with todays strong economic conditions,
robust stock market, and reduced
price of a barrel of oil, all of which are
a blessing and curse to Transportation
Demand Management (TDM).

On the United States Department

of Transportation, Federal Highway
Administration website, Transportation
Demand Management is defined as
managing both the growth of and
periodic shifts in traffic demand
as necessary elements for managing
traffic congestion. We know if traffic
demand is not managed nor alternatives
are provided, the performance of the
transportation system will be adversely
affected whether its by highway, air
or rail. In addition, TDM also has the
potential to deliver better environmental
outcomes, improved public health,
stronger communities, and more
prosperous and livable cities. As
TMACC advocates for best practices
many of our efforts focus on education
and behavior modifications.
With our current strong economic
condition these behavior modifications
become more of a challenge for Chester
County especially with the completion
of significant portions of US Route 202.
As reported by the Wall Street Journal,
on December 2, new light vehicle sales
through November 2014 increased by
5.4% compared to 2013. Crossovers
(13.6%), large SUV (11.9%) and Luxury
SUV (12.4%) led the way. Even with
fuel economy efficiency increasing these
are larger vehicles with greater fuel
consumption. These numbers show
people are reinvesting in larger vehicles
with more amenities.

Philly.com printed a story on December

23 stating that the average price of
regular gas at US pumps is the lowest
since May 15, 2009. It has dropped
close to $0.25 in two weeks to $2.47;
$0.79 less than a year ago. The
devaluation of gas prices makes driving
more affordable (and more encouraging)
and leads to the increase of air pollution:
a challenge to the philosophy of TDM.
The decrease in the cost of a barrel of
oil also disincentives the growth and the
production of alternative fuels and their
infrastructure. For the long term this
does not allow the fuel market to become
diversified to accommodate newer
technologies and leaves us dependable
on one source.

TDM is truly a planning philosophy that

helps create a multi-mobility community
that enables a long term shift in how a
community transports itself. TMACC
works with municipalities on their
land planning to better understand
commuting patterns to help reduced
congestion and provide bicycle/
pedestrian amenities for alternative
options. For boroughs and the city,
we share best practices for their
redevelopment to establish greater
density for transit connections. TMACC
educates companies on TDM strategies
and provides balanced solutions to
encourage public transportation, bike/
pedestrian connections as well ride
sharing/ carpooling. No matter how
strong the economy may be or low the
oil will go, Chester County needs to
strive for commuting efficiency and
multi-modal diversity.

P. Timothy Phelps
Executive Director of
TMACC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Letter from Tim

New Board Members

4
5

6
7
8
9

Vista2025 & TMACC

A Perfect Partnership

Construction Updates
Service Planning
Hitting the Road:
Projects Completed
Winter Weather Driving Tips
from PennDOT

Fall Luncheon

Chester Countys Public

Transportation Plan and
what it means for the
Business Community

New TMACC Members

RideECO: Saving Your

Employees Money
Job Fair
TMACC Forum

View Chester
Countys Public
Transportation Plan
Page 7

@TMACCTim
WINTER 2014 | 2

BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
Chris Williams, Chairman
McMahon Associates, Inc.

Terry Woodman,
Vice Chairwoman

East Whiteland Township

Mike Grigalonis, Secretary

Chester County Economic
Development Council

Don Jacobs, Treasurer

Traffic Planning & Design, Inc.

Michael Baker
PennDOT

Bonny Barry
Vanguard

Louis J. Beccaria, Ph.D.

Phoenixville Community
Health Foundation

Gene Blaum
PennDOT

John Calnan
SEPTA

Gregory J. Davis
Saul Ewing LLP

Grant Everhart
QVC, Inc.

Vito A. Genua

Gannett Fleming Inc.

Linda Ingenthron

State Farm Insurance

Commissioner Michelle Kichline

Chester County Commissioner

Gary D. Krapf

Krapfs Coaches, Inc.

Patty McFadden

Penn State Great Valley

Warren Merrick

BOARD Members
w
e
N

TMACC is proud to announce

the addition of four new members
to our board of directors. The
Transportation Management
Association of Chester County is
excited to have these four individuals,
with extensive experience in banking,
transportation and development,
join our board. Their significant
experience will be very valuable as
we continue our mission to improve
transportation in Chester County.

Newest Board Member, Michelle Kichline, was sworn in as a

new Chester County Commissioner this December

MICHELLE KICHLINE
CHESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONER

Michelle is Chester Countys newest Commissioner, appointed in December to fill outgoing

Commissioner Ryan Costellos remaining term. Michelle is a municipal and school district law
attorney who has been active in local government and county politics for several years. She
served as a member and eventually chairwoman of the Tredyffrin Zoning Hearing Board, and
was elected as township supervisor in 2009. In 2011, Michelle was appointed by the Governor
to serve on the Delaware River Port Authority.

Grant Everhart
Director Security & EHS, QVC, inc.

Grant was named Director of Workplace Services in December of 2008. In this role, he directs
and manages QVCs Security, Loss Prevention, EHS, Business Continuity, Office Services and
Corporate Services teams. Grant leads the development and execution of Workplace Services
overall business plans, policies and practices. Prior to his current role, he was Director of
Security since 1994. Grant resides in East Goshen with his wife and family, and serves his
community as the volunteer fire chief of the Goshen Fire Company.

Gregory Davis
Partner, Saul Ewing LLP

GregDavis concentrates in land use approvals, real estate litigation and leasing. Greghas
successfully pursued zoning and land development approvals for a wide variety of clients. He
regularly appears before municipal governing bodies, zoning hearing boards and planning
commissions in Chester, Montgomery, Bucks, Northampton, Delaware, Berks, Lancaster,
Lehigh, Lackawanna, Adams, Franklin and Luzerne Counties.

Lincoln University

Bonny Barry

Steve Moore, P.E.

Project manager, corporate real estate and facilities

Management, Vanguard

Parsons Brinckerhoff

Marie Moughan

Immaculata University

Sarah Oaks
DVRPC

Gary Smith, Ex Officio

Chester County Economic

Development Council

Bonny was the lead of a two year special project transforming Vanguards business dining
offer, and supporting corporate wide initiatives aimed at becoming a Best Place to Work.
She also oversees all work-streams associated with the project including design/construction,
technology, food service and communications. Prior to her current role, Bonny served as a
Communications Consultant.

T
VISTA 2025 & TMACC
A Perfect Partnership
David Sciocchetti,

Chester County Economic Development Council

o paraphrase Lewis Carroll in Alice in Wonderland,

if you dont know where youre going any road
will get you there. Unfortunately, this directionally
challenged approach is how economic development often
occurs in far too many communities. Here in Chester
County, however, we have taken a pro-active approach to
economic development designed to maintain and enhance
the qualities that have made this county one of the most
successful counties in the entire country.

Over the course of the last year, a public-private partnership worked hard to craft VISTA 2025, a strategy that will guide the
countys economic development efforts for the next decade. The partnership includes Chester County government, private
business leaders, and educational & non-profit institutions.
The guiding philosophy that emerged for Vista 2025 was to maintain a
balance between progress and preservation. This means that both elements
economic progress and preservation of natural and historic resources are
complementary attributes that define Chester County and provide it with a
sustainable competitive advantage in terms of attracting both businesses and a
talented workforce who will live, work and play in our local communities.

The VISTA 2025 strategy is built around

five goals that include:
A focus on quality of place
Making Chester County a talent magnet and a
model for building an employer ready workforce
Enhancing the attraction and retention of companies
in targeted industry clusters
Establishing an innovation culture
Strengthening the Countys corridors
of opportunity

The guiding philosophy that

emerged for VISTA 2025 was to
maintain a balance between
progress and preservation.

The Vista 2025 strategy is built around five goals. With each
of the goal is a range of strategies designed to help achieve the
associated goal. These strategies include roles for a wide range of
implementing agencies, including TMACC.
One key role for TMACC is in helping the County capitalize on
the fact that, in the Keystone Corridor rail line, Chester County
is blessed with one of the finest passenger rail corridors in the
country. TMACC is positioned to facilitate an expanded effort to
educate communities and support transit oriented development
at Keystone Corridor rail stops. Improving transit access will
enhance the attractiveness of these communities to a new
generation of residents, workers and employers.
TMACC is also developing and helping to implement efforts to
improve the linkage between the Keystone Corridor stops and
key employment and residential centers like Great Valley.

Additionally, TMACC is active in participating in the creative thinking

necessary to identify ways to improve transit access to growing urban centers
like West Chester, Phoenixville and Kennett Square.
Consistent with its mission, and already a part of its larger work program,
TMACCs action on these VISTA 2025 strategies in the coming months and
years will have a significantly positive effect on the overall effort to enhance
the Countys economic health and to continue to balance progress and
preservation.

Chester County is blessed

with one of the finest
passenger rail corridors in
the county.

To learn more about VISTA 2025, please visit: www.vista2025.com today!

WINTER 2014 | 4

ONSTRUCTION
UPDATES

US202 - Section 320

202 opens six new lanes of travel,
reveals other improvements
Commuters are now enjoying all six lanes of
travel on section 320 of Route 202. Additional
work continued into December, finalizing
sound walls and intelligent transportation
systems (ITS) systems. New features include
a two-mile collector/distributor road which
allows for safe exiting and merging from
RT29's north and south exits. With new ITS
running the length of 202, commuters can stay
updated on delays and road conditions. Less
visible improvements include the creation
and modification of multiple storm water
management systems.

US202 - Section 330

Progress in East Whiteland
Construction on 202 has been underway
for over 10 years on various portions of the
roadway. However, Section 330, which is in
East Whiteland Township between Rt404 and
RT30 bypass, only began in 2013. Shortly
before Christmas, commuters may have
noticed traffic shifting from northbound lanes
to the new southbound lanes. Major roadwork
is on target for full completion in early 2017.

Route 100
This $17.4 million dollar project involves
widening 2.5 miles of Route 100, while
increasing the number of intersections to
improve travel safety and efficiency. The
Route 100 project involves moving 37 utility
poles; installation of sidewalks, noise, and
retaining walls; and upgrades to sewer and
water lines. Major roadwork is projected to
complete by the end of 2015.

5 | TMACC CONNECTIONS

Service Planning
SEPTA/Amtrak Paoli Train Station improvements are
set to begin this month and will kick off improvements
to other train stations in Chester County. Additionally,
2015 will yield the first phase of the long awaited
New Payment Technology fare system, aptly named
the 'Septa Key.' As you travel the SEPTA service area
this season, you will start to notice buses, trolleys, and
trains being prepped for the new electronic ticketing
system.

Hitting the Road: Projects Completed in 2014

PennDOT's major roadway completions in 2014 included all of the following:
US Route 202/Section 320

US 422 Resurfacing in King of Prussia

Fern Hill Road Bridge

US 422 On/Off Ramp Rehabilitations

US Route 30 Resurfacing

Route 29 and Charlestown Road

WINTER WEATHER DRIVING TIPS

From PennDOT

Let these tips help you prepare for the winter weather ahead!
Always wear a seat belt, drive at a
reduced speed, and drive defensively.
Always turn on headlights during
inclement weather.
Give plenty of time to get to where
you're going during the winter.
Keep the gas tank full.
Maintain at least twice the normal
following distance when driving on
snow or ice.
Keep the vehicle in proper
working condition.
Periodically check windshield
washing fluid level and only use fluids
containing an anti-freeze solvent. Keep
an extra container of windshield fluid
in the trunk.
Clear snow and ice from windows,
mirrors, hood, headlights, taillights and
trunk before driving.

Keep an ice scraper/snow brush,

deicer, small snow shovel, warning
devices (flares or triangles), bag
of salt or sand, flashlight, battery
cables, tire chains, paper towels
and a blanket in each vehicle
during the winter.
Maintain a distance of at least six
car lengths behind a snow plow.
Do not pass a snow plow because
the plow blades are wider than the
truck.
Car pool or use mass transit
whenever possible during the
winter.
Use extra care when driving on a
bridge or elevated ramp during the
winter.

PennDOTs
Jennie Granger
Gives Updates on Chester Countys

Growing Stations at TMACCs Fall Luncheon

hester County is an excellent example of Pennsylvania railways at work. Each day, thousands of commuters use the
train for work, entertainment, and travel. Chester Countys Five Major Train Stations: Paoli, Exton, Downingtown,
Parkesburg, and Coatesville; are growing every day. With users on the rise, these stations are in major need of
an upgrade. PennDOT, being fully aware of the issue, outlined station improvements for all passenger rail stations along
Keystone East in their 2009 study, Plan the Keystone.
Thanks to ACT 89, improvements suggested in Plan the Keystone can finally begin to see construction.
TMACC, recognizing the importance of these structural changes, had PennDOTs railways expert out to
discuss them with the concerned public at TMACCs Fall Luncheon in October.
Jennie Granger, now Bureau Director of Aviation, spoke about Chester Countys five growing stations to the
large crowd. The popularity of the subject discussed made for an interactive luncheon filled with questions.
She had many updates to announce for the five stations. Construction for the Paoli Train Station is set to begin this year, and
finish by 2018. The updates include improvements to the stations accessibility so that it adheres to current Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.

At the Exton Train Station, SEPTA is designing station building and high level platforms for easy access onto the train. The
construction for these improvements is scheduled to begin in early 2015.
Downingtown and Coatesville both have conceptual designs approved for new stations with expanded parking. However,
there is no set date for construction to begin.
Parkesburg, unfortunately, will not see improvements in the near future.
PennDOTs planning for the train station was completed in 2012. However,
there is no funding is available to improve the station at this time. Granger
says it will not be forgotten. Traffic is increasing farther into western
Chester County. They will have to improve transportation options to better
serve the area.

PennDOTs rendering of proposed new Downingtown Station Concept

There was one reoccurring question every attendee had on their mind: Will there be more parking spaces? Every station has a
problem with inadequate amount of parking for travelers. PennDOT is exploring opportunities to increase parking at stations,
including the addition of parking garages. Granger was not able to discuss PennDOTs plans further about it.

For further information on

each stations proposed
improvements visit
www.planthekeystone.com.

TMACC believes the public should have access to information like what was
discussed at their Fall Luncheon. Executive Director, P. Timothy Phelps, thanked
Luncheon sponsors Parsons Brinckerhoff, McMahon Associates Inc., and The
Burns Group for supporting their efforts, as well as for the continuing support
members provide to the company. Without the support our members provide,
we would not be able to host events like our Luncheon. These events foster and
promote the transit culture Chester County needs to increase their economy.
WINTER 2014 | 6

Chester Countys Public Transportation Plan and

What It Means for the Business Community
Brian Styche, Chester County Planning Commission
In July of 2014, the Chester County Commissioners adopted the Public Transportation Plan - a bold and ambitious plan that
will redefine the commuter preferences, facilities, and experiences for Chester County residents and workers over the next
25 years. The plan is an element to Landscapes2, Chester Countys Comprehensive Policy Plan and is structured to establish
goals for each of the plans primary chapters relative to the system, the environment, and the experience.
So, what does the Public Transportation Plan mean for Chester Countys business community?
First, one must understand the current condition and what
lies ahead. Chester County is automobile centric evidenced
by the percentage of residents choosing public transportation
(1%) versus driving alone (78%). This is reflected not only
in our congested highways, but also in the lack of proper
access to public transit within our built environment. Existing
population and employment density in Chester
County may be marginal now for providing
public transportation, however this is going
to change. The Delaware Valley Regional
Planning Commission (DVRPC) forecasts that
Chester County will have the
highest increase in both population growth
(29.8% or+148,000 residents) and employment
growth (26.0% or +76,000 employees) in
southeastern Pennsylvania by 2040. Moreover,
the real estate market trend is moving away from
traditional suburban development and towards the
revitalization of our urban centers. This projected growth
and resulting density will both fuel and require public
transportation services.

Elements of the Public Transportation Plan most applicable

to the business community concern implementation
recommendations for both the system and the environment:
The business community can improve the environment
by constructing the facilities required to access public
transportation services. While more easily done through
new development, it may also be accomplished by
retrofit.

The business community can enhance
the system by encouraging employees to
carpool or vanpool as described in the plans
new commuter service model or establish a
shuttle service to provide for employee last mile
connections to and from regional rail stations
located along the Keystone Corridor.
In summary, any improvement efforts outlined in the Public
Transportation Plan that the business community can
implement will not only create a better experience for transit
users, it will also provide for a more vibrant and robust
economy for all residents and workers in Chester County.

The Public Transportation Plan may be found on the Chester County Planning Commissions
website at: http://www.landscapes2.org/publications/transportation/PubTransPlan.cfm

7 | TMACC CONNECTIONS

w
e
N

No matter the industry, your organization can benefit from joining

TMACC! Contact Shannon Maria Jones, Manager of Member
Services, to learn more: 610.993.0911 or Shannon@TMACC.org.

TMACC

Members

This fall was a great time for growing TMACC membership. TMACC is pleased to welcome
PNC Bank, E. Kahn Development, and Franklin Commons as new members to the organization!

Franklin Commons decided to join

TMACC after meeting our board
members and participating in our
Fall Luncheon. With TMACCs
transportation insights, Franklin
Commons saw the opportunity to keep
their business tenants informed on
transportation issues in the area.

PNC Bank in the Uptown Worthington As one of the leading land developers in
Chester County, E. Kahn Development
complex has been a great partner in
Corporation felt that joining TMACC
promoting the Chester Valley Trail as
improved their continued business
well as communicating changes with
growth. TMACCs membership base of
the US 202 construction. Their focus
on sustainability made them a perfect fit municipalities, engineering firms, and
elected officials bring relevant parties
for TMACC.
to the table to further discussions on
planning within the county, and all of
Southeastern PA.

RideECO: Saving your Employees Money

RideECO, offering Easy Commute Options, is Greater Philadelphias only
nonprofit commuter benefit program. The Delaware Valley Regional Planning
Commission has been administering the program for more than 20 years.
With RideECO, employees use tax-free dollars to purchase tickets, tokens and/or
passes to pay for their commute on SEPTA, Amtrak, or vanpools. The RideECO
program is allowed under IRS tax code 132(f) and employees can set aside up
to $130/month to be used toward their commuting costs on public transportation. RideECO deductions are exempt from
Federal Income Taxes and FICA payroll taxes for your employees (saving them approximately $500 per year), and employers
save on the matching FICAup to an annual savings of more than $100 per employee.
Companies of any size can offer RideECO and are not tied to a January 1 start date. Commuter benefits like RideECO
differ from an FSA, as they are allowable under a different tax code and have fewer requirements for employers to administer
the program.
It is virtually cost-free to administer, helps boost employee morale and promotes the use of public transit, which contributes
to improving air quality and reducing traffic congestion in Chester County.
Would you like to learn how much your company can save with RideECO?
Please visit www.RideECO.org or call 215-592-1800. TMACC staff can also assist you with implementing and
promoting your companys RideECO program.

9x

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9 | TMACC CONNECTIONS

ht

TMACC contributed significantly to these events because

connecting residents with jobs and their lives is a vital part
of our mission. The chescobus lines run from Oxford
to West Chester, and Parkesburg to Brandywine Hospitalconnecting hubs of industry, technology, and development.

TMACC hosted a unique forum in October, with

Professional Storyteller, Andrew Linderman. Linderman
showed individuals how to improve presentations by
incorporating real stories into the speech. Attendees
participated in multiple speech
for TM
improvement activities to
up
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change the way they thought
event
about making a pitch.
updates
TMACC looks forward to
at
incorporating more educational
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and interactive forums into thea
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2015 calendar year.
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TMACC contributed significantly to these events because

connecting residents with jobs is a vital part of our mission.
On October 22 at The Lincoln University in Coatesville,
over 200 job seekers came out to meet 18 employers and
take part in two career development seminars: Resume
Building and Interview Preparation. On November 5 at the
Red Clay Room in Kennett Square, 20 employers featuring
110+ jobs came out to meet the job seekers of Southern
Chester County.

TMACC Forum

Sig

Job Fair

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Penn State Great Valley, 30 E. Swedesford Rd., Malvern, PA 19355

TMACC Staff
P. Timothy Phelps
Executive Director

tphelps@tmacc.org

Jonathan Ewald

7 Great Valley Parkway

Great Valley Corporate Center
Malvern, PA 19355

Prsrt STD Mail

US Postage PAID
Southeastern, PA
Permit No. 50

onnecting you to transportation solutions!

Manager of Corporate
and Community Relations

jon@tmacc.org

Shannon Maria Jones

Manager of Member Services

shannon@tmacc.org

John S. Meisel
Manager of Transportation
Operations and Planning

jmeisel@tmacc.org

Amanda Lozinak
Manager of Public Engagement

alozinak@tmacc.org

Lorie Pye
Manager of Finance and Administration

lpye@tmacc.org

Diane Minka
Customer Services Representative

diane@tmacc.org

Betty Shaw
Executive Administrator

betty@tmacc.org

Phone | (610) 993-0911

Fax | (610) 993-0922
Web | www.tmacc.org
Email | info@tmacc.org
follow us

@ChesCoCommuter

facebook.com/
ChesCoTMA

Transportation management
association of chester county

Our mission

Our mission is to activate, foster and facilitate cooperation between the public and private
sectors of Chester County to identify, evaluate, and analyze significant transportation
issues and to recommend solutions that reduce congestion and improve air quality.