Editing Jefferson Station (section)

== History ==

The original Reading Terminal opened in 1893, with the grand train shed above the terminal becoming an iconic Philadelphia landmark. The terminal served the Reading Railroad's commuter and intercity services, with the train shed's single-span roof representing a significant engineering achievement. The Reading Terminal Market, which opened in 1893 beneath the train shed, became Philadelphia's premier public market.<ref name="septa"/>

Declining passenger traffic and railroad financial troubles reduced the terminal's importance through the mid-twentieth century. The Reading Company's 1971 bankruptcy and Conrail's subsequent assumption of commuter services led to eventual SEPTA operation. The historic train shed, no longer needed for rail operations after Amtrak consolidated intercity service at 30th Street Station, was converted for use as the Pennsylvania Convention Center.<ref name="septa"/>

The Center City Commuter Connection, opened in 1984, constructed a new underground station replacing the surface terminal. Trains now continue through the tunnel to Suburban Station and 30th Street Station rather than terminating at Reading Terminal. The through-running enabled by the tunnel improved service while the underground station replaced the historic above-ground platforms.<ref name="septa"/>

The 2014 renaming from Market East Station to Jefferson Station followed a naming rights agreement with Thomas Jefferson University, whose Center City campus and hospital complex are located nearby. The naming generated some controversy given the station's historic Reading Terminal association, though the Jefferson name has become established through use.<ref name="septa"/>