PRR's "Congressional Service" (Train): Consist, Timetable, Route
Last revised: February 24, 2025
By: Adam Burns
Pennsylvania's regional Congressional was in some ways a truncated version of its Senator, a train operating all of the way to Boston.
The Northeast services were also known by other names and offered perhaps the preeminent way for commuters, business interests, and local travelers to make their way to and from the Northeast's largest cities. Today, of course, Amtrak hosts such trains.
Unfortunately, the carrier has been unable to live up to the PRR when passengers were treated as royalty and trains provided numerous on-board amenities and accommodations.
The Congressionals slowly declined into the 1960s, especially under the Penn Central. They initially remained on the timetable in the Amtrak era but were retired a few years after the carrier began.
Before the days of state-sponsored commuter and regional passenger service, the freight railroads were required to provide such transportation for the general public.
For the PRR, the proud company offered the most extensive such service anywhere in the nation, linking New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington with electrified rail service.
Photos
Pennsylvania GG-1 #4866 is seen here during a station stop in North Philadelphia working "Congressional" service on May 12, 1956. The light silver livery was applied to three GG-1's (#4866, #4872 and #4880) for Northeast Corridor service.History
The origins of the Pennsy's regional service along the Northeast Corridor, between our nation's capital and New York City, dates back to the Congressional Limited Express, a train inaugurated in 1885.
From an early date the PRR learned the value of offering fast, local service for commuters, which was especially true in such a populated region as the Northeast.
During these early years power for the train was provided by steam and typical intermediate stops included Newark, New Brunswick, Trenton, Philadelphia, Wilmington, Perryville, and Baltimore (this changed little over the years).
The first real change for the Congressional Limited Express occurred during the 1920s when the Pennsylvania announced it would be upgrading the corridor to full electrified status and adding hourly stops along the route.
At A Glance
153/131 (southbound) 120/152 (northbound) | |
Pennsylvania Station (New York) Union Station (Washington, D.C.) |
|
Still, while the 1930s saw the PRR complete its electrification project, the fast and reliable GG1 electrics were introduced, and streamliners hit the rails (in 1934) the railroad was reluctant to spend vast amounts of capital on the latter outside of its long distance runs like the Broadway Limited (appropriately dubbed as its "Fleet of Modernism").
Interestingly, even the much smaller Reading Railroad delved into the streamliner fad when in 1937 it introduced the Crusader between Philadelphia and Jersey City (in conjunction with the Central Railroad of New Jersey) serving the exact same market as the PRR.
It's safe to say the new equipment and upgraded services this train offered probably stole away a bit of the Pennsylvania's traffic base, at least for a short time.
Timetables (September, 1952)
| Read Down Time/Leave (Train #153) | Milepost | Location | Read Up Time/Arrive (Train #120) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4:30 PM (Dp) | 0.0 | 11:55 AM (Ar) | |
| 4:44 PM | 10.0 | 11:40 AM | |
| 58.1 | 10:54 AM | ||
| 5:50 PM | 85.9 | 10:27 AM | |
| 5:59 PM | 91.4 | 10:17 AM | |
| 6:25 PM | 118.1 | 9:48 AM | |
| 150.3 | 9:16 AM | ||
| 7:24 PM | 186.5 | 8:41 AM | |
| 8:05 PM (Ar) | 226.6 | 8:00 AM (Dp) | |
| Read Down Time/Leave (Train #131) | Milepost | Location | Read Up Time/Arrive (Train #152) |
| 7:30 AM (Dp) | 0.0 | 7:35 PM (Ar) | |
| 6:44 AM | 10.0 | 7:20 PM | |
| 7:06 AM | 32.7 | ||
| 7:31 AM | 58.1 | ||
| 8:01 AM | 85.9 | 6:15 PM | |
| 8:11 AM | 91.4 | 6:06 PM | |
| 8:38 AM | 118.1 | 5:39 PM | |
| 9:39 AM | 186.5 | 4:40 PM | |
| 10:20 AM (Ar) | 226.6 | 4:00 PM (Dp) |
After seeing the success of the streamliner during the 1940s the PRR finally decided to spend considerable money on purchasing new equipment for its Northeastern services.
In 1951 it placed an order with the Budd Company for 64 new cars, which gave the railroad two trainsets each for each train. In terms of the Congressional this meant there would be a Morning and Afternoon daily run.
The new cars were a stunning change from the old heavyweight equipment used for years and gleamed in their fluted stainless steel, Tuscan red pinstripe, and gold lettering.
While today's regional trains offer little more in the way of amenities aside from a snackbar this was not the case with the Pennsy's service.
Consists (1952)
The trains' interior featured decors matching the region in which they served; tasteful colors of red, white, and blue. Just as with the Senator a typical consist for the Congressionals included a parlor car, bar lounge, coffee shop tavern, diner, and an observation-bar-lounge.
It was top-notch service with an incredible offering splendid dining services. According to Mike Schafer and Joe Welsh in their book, "Streamliners: History of a Railroad Icon," some choices from the menu included charbroiled steak and the Pennsy's legendary raisin pie.
This, of course, did not include light snacks and beverages
that were generally always available. Additionally, the PRR took great effort
in tailoring the train to business travelers by offering comfortable
seating and a seven-room conference car for meetings.
Pennsylvania GG-1 #4887 has train #131, the southbound "Congressional," arriving at Trenton, New Jersey on September 3, 1965. Roger Puta photo.Final Years
Overall, no other railroad could match the Pennsylvania for regional service in the Northeast.
The Morning and Afternoon Congressional remained a regular service throughout the 1950s and 1960s despite a loss of ridership as regional airlines and new interstates drove patronage away.
Service continued to decline through the Penn Central era after 1968, particularly as the company eroded away into the 1970s.
With the start-up of Amtrak on May 1, 1971 the Congressionals initially remained on the timetable. However, the train was discontinued by December of that year.
Recent Articles
-
Southern Pacific Railroad: Map, History, Logo
Nov 08, 26 01:58 PM
The Southern Pacific, from the December 2, 1865 charter and the Big Four to Sprint, the Rio Grande Industries purchase of 1988, and the Union Pacific merger of February 1, 1997. -
California Awards Flexible Rail Aid to Nine Projects
Nov 08, 26 01:15 PM
CalSTA on November 5, 2026 awarded $66.58 million in flexible State Rail Assistance to nine California projects. Each amount in the summary is a cap, printed as up to. -
CSX Leaves Three Days Out of the Weekly Reports
Nov 08, 26 12:02 PM
CSX told the Surface Transportation Board it cannot recover October 27-29 data for the EP 724 and EP 787 reports covering the week ending October 30, 2026. -
NJ Transit Advances Three Station Housing Projects
Nov 08, 26 11:56 AM
NJ Transit on November 5, 2026 advanced station projects in Jersey City, Bound Brook, and Morristown. The three are projected to add more than 1,000 homes. -
River Fox Train Wraps a Locomotive for America 250
Nov 08, 26 11:06 AM
The River Fox Train in West Sacramento wrapped a locomotive with America 250 markings, the American flag, and the Sacramento skyline. The wrap is expected to stay through 2027. -
California Keeps Metrolink Service in the 2027 Budget
Nov 07, 26 11:35 PM
Metrolink says a California State Transportation Agency grant lets the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget keep service at current levels. The board hearing is November 13, 2026. -
WM's 4-6-6-4 Locomotives (M-2): Specs, Roster, History
Nov 07, 26 04:37 PM
Western Maryland class M-2, twelve Baldwin 4-6-6-4s numbered 1201-1212, built in 1940 and 1941 for Hagerstown-Connellsville fast freight. Roster, specifications, and retirement in 1952-1953. -
Missouri Pacific Diesel Roster (All-Time)
Nov 07, 26 04:26 PM
Missouri Pacific diesel roster with builder serials, order numbers, subsidiary lettering, and renumberings. Alco, Baldwin, Electro-Motive, and General Electric. Texas and Pacific locomotives are on th… -
Missouri Pacific Steam Roster (Built Since 1900)
Nov 07, 26 04:21 PM
Missouri Pacific steam locomotives built since 1900. Drury quantity column 1,439. Sedalia rebuilds counted once, 1,407 frames. Last steam was 0-6-0 9301 in November 1955. -
Missouri Pacific Railroad: Map, Locomotives, Logo, History
Nov 07, 26 04:19 PM
The Missouri Pacific was a large Midwestern that carried a long history of financial difficulty until later years. -
LIRR Service Changes Start on November 9
Nov 07, 26 03:15 PM
New Long Island Rail Road schedules start on every branch on Monday, November 9, 2026. Midday and weekend times change. Rush hour does not. Babylon service returns in stages. -
Draft EA Reviews Norfolk Southern Track in London, Ohio
Nov 07, 26 11:35 AM
The Surface Transportation Board environmental office issued a draft assessment on November 6, 2026, for about 0.96 miles of Norfolk Southern track in London, Ohio. Comments are due November 20. -
Metrolink Lines Will Not Run on Three Routes November 7
Nov 07, 26 10:53 AM
Metrolink will not run the Ventura County, Orange County, or Inland Empire-Orange County lines on November 7 and 8, 2026. The advisory says no substitute transportation will be provided. -
Hartford Line Adds a Weekday Round Trip on November 16
Nov 07, 26 10:48 AM
Connecticut said the Hartford Line adds a weekday New Haven-Hartford round trip on November 16, starts a morning train in Springfield, and extends weekend stops to Windsor and Windsor Locks. -
Board Issues a Policy Statement on Rail Preemption
Nov 07, 26 10:44 AM
The Surface Transportation Board placed a policy statement on public inspection for the November 9 Federal Register. It reviews existing preemption precedent and says it makes no binding determination… -
NJ Transit Restores Lines After the Newark Drawbridge Stop
Nov 07, 26 10:37 AM
NJ Transit said Morris and Essex service between Hackettstown and Dover, and Montclair-Boonton service between Hackettstown and Montclair State University, resumed after the Newark Drawbridge stop. -
EMD "SD35" Locomotives: Data Sheet, Specs, Roster
Nov 06, 26 10:35 PM
EMD SD35, 2,500 horsepower, 16-cylinder 567D3A, built June 1964 through January 1966. 360 locomotives. Specifications and the production roster by owner, serial, and order. -
EMD "SDP35" Locomotives: Data Sheet, Specs, Roster
Nov 06, 26 10:32 PM
EMD SDP35, the steam-generator SD35. 35 locomotives, July 1964 through September 1965. Seaboard Air Line 1100-1119, Atlantic Coast Line 550, Louisville and Nashville 1700-1703, Union Pacific 1400-1409… -
RJ Corman Will Be Replaced on Part of the Luzerne Lines
Nov 06, 26 01:34 PM
A November 6, 2026 notice says Wilkes-Barre Terminal Railway would acquire about 59.65 miles in Luzerne County and replace R.J. Corman as operator on part of the line. The earliest date is November 22… -
NS Names a Student Hub at the University of Georgia
Nov 06, 26 12:03 PM
Norfolk Southern said a 100,000 dollar gift named a student-organization hub in Driftmier Engineering Center. The University of Georgia marked the naming on October 26. The space is for 23 clubs. -
Union Pacific Filed Its Vena Recording Certification
Nov 06, 26 11:56 AM
Union Pacific filed a November 5, 2026 verified statement that the confidential label is off the March 17 Vena recording and that parties of record received a copy at 3:30 p.m. Eastern. -
OmniTRAX Adds Tenants at Its Blue Island Hub
Nov 06, 26 10:26 AM
OmniTRAX has signed new construction-company leases at its 90-acre Blue Island, Illinois, hub and is planning a second phase. -
Veterans and Active-Duty Members Exceed 16 Percent of Norfolk Southern
Nov 06, 26 10:14 AM
Norfolk Southern said on November 5, 2026, that more than 3,000 veterans and active-duty service members are more than 16 percent of its workforce. This year grants are $100,000 and $50,000. -
BNSF: Merger Would Put Half of U.S. Rail Shipments Under One Railroad
Nov 06, 26 10:00 AM
BNSF chief marketing officer Tom G. Williams told customers on November 3, 2026, that a Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger would put about half of U.S. rail shipments under one railroad. Nothing is… -
Amtrak Opens a Winter Fare Sale
Nov 06, 26 09:28 AM
Amtrak opened a Winter Wanderlust sale on November 5, 2026. Book by November 12 for travel from December 1, 2026, through March 14, 2027. Blackout dates apply. Coach and Acela Business only. -
CN and CPKC Report October Grain Records
Nov 06, 26 08:50 AM
CPKC reported October 2026 grain records in Canada and the United States. CN reported 3.54 million metric tonnes across Canada. The releases do not print a combined total. -
New Brunswick Transload Gets CN Rail Service
Nov 06, 26 08:49 AM
CN said on November 4, 2026, that it has started serving AD Gagnon Transload Services near Grand Falls, New Brunswick. The site is three kilometres from the Trans-Canada Highway and lists room for 106… -
Together, Freight and Passenger Rail Can Grow, Union Pacific Says
Nov 06, 26 08:47 AM
Union Pacific said on November 5, 2026, that passenger obligations would remain if it combines with Norfolk Southern. The capacity claim is a Union Pacific analysis, not a Surface Transportation Board… -
FM "C-Liner" Locomotives: Specs, Roster, Photos
Nov 05, 26 11:19 PM
Fairbanks-Morse Consolidation Line cab units, the C-Liners. 165 locomotives, Beloit and Kingston, March 1950 through February 1955. Models, specs, and production rosters. -
Atlanta, Birmingham & Coast Railroad: Map, History, Roster
Nov 05, 26 12:03 PM
Atlanta, Birmingham & Coast, from Brunswick and Waycross to Atlanta and Birmingham. Atlantic Coast Line control at the close of 1926. Merged in January 1946 as the Western Division. Steam roster of th… -
El Paso & Southwestern Railroad: Map, History, Logo
Nov 05, 26 12:00 PM
The El Paso & Southwestern, the Phelps Dodge copper railroad from Tucson to the Rock Island at Tucumcari. Southern Pacific control on October 31, 1924. -
Brightline Says Orlando Service Has Resumed
Nov 05, 26 11:55 AM
Brightline said on November 5, 2026, that trains to and from Orlando have resumed after weather suspensions in Brevard County. Later that morning the departures page still showed the Orlando segment s… -
Metra Customers Must Sign Up Again
Nov 05, 26 11:43 AM
Metra says customers who want service alerts must sign up again at metratracker.com. The November 2 story says the new system has launched and the old email list is shut down. A notice on the same pag… -
Norfolk Southern Packs Six Projects Into One Window
Nov 05, 26 11:38 AM
Norfolk Southern used one 26-hour window on the W Line for six projects in Indiana and Kentucky, including three bridge replacements. The October 27 account does not give the calendar day of the work. -
CSX: More Time to Comment on an Inspection Waiver
Nov 05, 26 11:29 AM
The Federal Railroad Administration extended comments on a CSX petition for relief from some qualified mechanical inspector rules until December 2, 2026. The November 2 notice does not grant the waive… -
Brightline Expects Orlando Service on Thursday
Nov 05, 26 09:21 AM
Brightline said on November 4, 2026, that it expects trains to and from Orlando to resume on Thursday, November 5. South Florida stations kept running. The departures page still showed the Orlando seg… -
Union Pacific: More Time to Comment on an Inspection Waiver
Nov 05, 26 09:15 AM
The Federal Railroad Administration extended comments on a Union Pacific petition for relief from some qualified mechanical inspector rules until December 2, 2026. The November 2 notice does not grant… -
Wisconsin Opens Comments on the 2027 Freight Plan
Nov 05, 26 09:03 AM
WisDOT opened the draft 2027 State Freight Plan for comment through December 1, 2026. The plan covers freight rail with highways, harbors, aviation, and intermodal links. Completion is expected in sum… -
U.S. Rail Traffic Rose 3.5 Percent in the Week Ending October 31
Nov 05, 26 08:52 AM
U.S. railroads moved 514,080 carloads and intermodal units in the week ending October 31, 2026, up 3.5 percent from a year earlier, the Association of American Railroads said on November 4. -
Muni and Bay Area Transit Measures Pass
Nov 05, 26 08:49 AM
San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency said on November 4, 2026 that Proposition H and a regional transit measure passed. Proposition H is about 160 million dollars a year for Muni. The regiona… -
Ground Rules Set for Responsive Applications
Nov 05, 26 08:47 AM
Decision No. 46, served November 4, 2026, denies a request to add Walsenburg to the Union Pacific interchange list and sets what CPKC and CN must include in responsive applications. Four CPKC proposal… -
Video of the Vena Address Must Be Released
Nov 05, 26 08:42 AM
The Surface Transportation Board on November 4, 2026 denied the Union Pacific appeal and ordered the March 17 shipper-conference recording released to the parties by 5:00 p.m. Eastern on November 5. C… -
Chicago & North Western Iron Ore C628s
Nov 04, 26 11:47 PM
Chicago and North Western C628s 6701-6730, the ex-Norfolk and Western high-hoods, in Upper Peninsula iron-ore service from the mid-1970s until December 21, 1986, and what happened to each unit. -
Warrenton Railroad: Serving Warrenton, NC (1884-1985)
Nov 04, 26 10:33 PM
The three-mile Warrenton Railroad, from Warren Plains to the North Carolina county seat. Chartered January 28, 1871. First train November 8, 1884. Closed in 1985. -
Rio Grande Steam Locomotives (Since 1900)
Nov 04, 26 11:40 AM
Denver & Rio Grande Western steam locomotives built since 1900. Standard gauge quantity 435 and narrow gauge 48. Challengers, 2-8-8-2s, Mountains, Northerns, and the K-27, K-28, K-36, and K-37. -
Rio Grande Diesel Locomotives (All-Time)
Nov 04, 26 11:39 AM
Denver & Rio Grande Western diesel locomotives, each frame once. 554 units, from the 1941 NW2 through the 1990 GP60s. FT, F3, F7, and F9 sets are not counted again under their 1950 numbers. -
Rio Grande Railroad: Map, Logo, History, Rosters
Nov 04, 26 11:34 AM
Denver & Rio Grande Western history, from William Jackson Palmer and the October 27, 1870 charter through the Royal Gorge, the Moffat route, the California Zephyr, and Union Pacific common control… -
Lindblom Gift Expands the Fort Wayne Restoration Shop
Nov 04, 26 11:14 AM
Art Lindblom gave the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society more than $1.4 million, its largest single gift, to expand the New Haven shop. The addition is planned for late 2026 and early 2027. A sepa… -
Design Contract Awarded for the Forest Park Branch
Nov 04, 26 11:09 AM
The Chicago Transit Board approved a design contract for about 13 miles of Blue Line track from the Illinois Medical District to the I-290 Bridge. The release summary calls it a $17 million contract… -
Kanawha River Railroad: The Norfolk Southern Lease Is Renewed
Nov 04, 26 10:51 AM
Kanawha River Railroad filed to keep leasing 309.45 miles from Norfolk Southern in West Virginia and Ohio. The second amendment is dated August 17, 2026. The Board has not set the date the exemption t…
%20for%20Northeast%20Corridor%20service.){kind=link}
