[9][10] By the late 1980s, the Metroliners used for the service were in poor shape, but Amtrak had a shortage of AEM-7 locomotives due to wrecks.

Plans for a tunnel to link the Pennsylvania and Reading commuter lines were floated as early as the 1950s, but funding to seriously study the project did not start until SEPTA's formation in the late 1960s.

The project languished in the 1970s for want of funding until federal money was appropriated during Philadelphia mayor Frank Rizzo's time in office.

[13] The link between the old PRR and Reading lines, the Center City Commuter Connection, opened in 1984.

The station was redesigned to make navigation easier and adapt to current pedestrian traffic.

[15] Upgrades included increased retail space, a reactivated and improved HVAC system, and a restored/refurbished waiting area.

The Comcast Center, situated on the north half of its block near Arch Street, adds a "winter garden" on the south side, which serves as a new back entrance to the station, with the commuter rail tracks about 50 feet below street level.