By Railfan & Railroad Staff

The Reading & Northern Railroad reported a significant jump in freight and passenger traffic in 2023 for the second year in a row. Last year, the Pennsylvania short line handled 37,000 freight cars, up from 33,000 in 2022, and more than 320,000 passengers, up from 250,000 the previous year. 

Officials attributed the increased freight numbers to a jump in anthracite coal being moved on the railroad. In 2023, the R&N handled more than 1 million tons of coal for the first time in its 33-year history. A new frac sand terminal in Tunkhannock also helped increase carloads. 

The growth in passenger service was attributed to a significant expansion of services, including trips out of the Wilkes Barre/Scranton area as well as a series of popular excursions behind Reading Company 4-8-4 2102.