Mount Joy, PA (MJY)

Ticket Revenue

FY 2012

$404,858

Station Ridership

FY 2012

69,025

Note: Fiscal year is from
October through September.

The current Amtrak stop in Mount Joy consists of two small shelters, replaced in October 2006, on two paved low-level platforms situated in a deep trench. Despite the lack of a full service facility at this location, the stop is very popular and has seen an over 40 percent growth in ridership since 2005. This may be attributable to the easy availability of parking, enhancements on the Keystone Service line and its convenient, central and safe location.

The Lancaster County Transportation Authority (LCTA), through their consultant KCI Technologies, submitted a request on January 21, 2005 for a Design Phase Agreement with Amtrak for proposed improvements at the station which include a new overhead pedestrian bridge, low-level platforms with mini-high platforms, lighting, stairway and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) access improvements. LCTA then decided not to pursue negotiations with Amtrak for a design agreement. In 2006, the Federal Transit Administration, the Federal Railroad Administration, Amtrak and Congressman Pitt’s office visited the station to discuss the project and issues related to ADA. Although a few years away, a preliminary design project is underway for a new station and there is $2 million in the county metropolitan planning organization budget for this purpose.

Scotch-Irish settlers were the original pioneers in 1735 in the area now known as Mount Joy. They were quickly followed by large groups of German immigrants. The Mount Joy Township was established in 1759. The growth of nearby townships such as Milton Grove and Bellaire helped attract growth to the area, as did the construction of the Lancaster, Elizabethtown, Middletown Turnpike and the Colebrook Valley Railroad. The area’s mills also made it a gathering point for farmers and tradesmen, contributing to the evolution of Mount Joy as an established population center.

Amtrak does not provide ticketing or baggage services at this facility, which is served by an average of 15 daily trains.

Amtrak’s Keystone Service is financed in part through funds made available by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.