SEPTA completes train car inspections, but Regional Rail commutes will not see immediate improvements due to ongoing issues.
SEPTA Completes Safety Inspections of Regional Rail Fleet Amid Ongoing Challenges
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) has completed intensive safety inspections of all 223 Silverliner IV Regional Rail vehicles, a task finished just hours before a federal deadline. Despite the conclusion of inspections, only 76 of these vehicles have returned to service due to various repairs identified during the process.
SEPTA General Manager Scott Sauer emphasized the commitment to safety, stating that all repairs—no matter how minor—will be completed before any car is put back into operation. This rigorous approach sets a new standard for maintenance protocols within the agency. It is anticipated that restoring a reliable service level may take until at least mid-December, as inspections and repairs continue.
The urgency for these inspections followed a series of incidents involving five fires linked to the aging Silverliner IV fleet, which has been in service for around 50 years. Following an order from the Federal Railroad Administration on October 1st, SEPTA initiated a comprehensive evaluation and repair campaign for the entire fleet.
The extended maintenance period has had significant operational impacts, leading to delays, cancellations, and overcrowding on affected lines. During three consecutive days this week, SEPTA preemptively canceled 22 trains across the Airport, Fox Chase, and Chestnut Hill West lines due to an insufficient number of available cars. Many other lines also faced disruptions, highlighting the challenges faced by daily commuters.
Sauer expressed gratitude to riders for their patience during this period, acknowledging the operational difficulties while refraining from making commitments he could not ensure. The effort to inspect and repair the fleet has resulted in 0,000 in overtime costs, with ongoing additional expenses of approximately 0,000 per week expected until repairs are completed. Officials estimate that an average of five cars will be returned to service each day moving forward.
Repairs include addressing issues with the traction motors, electrical contact tips, and other damaged components. Some repairs can be completed swiftly, while others require more extensive work. SEPTA is also instituting new circuitry to detect excessive heat in the electrical systems of the cars, a significant safety upgrade compared to older technologies. So far, 67 cars have already had these thermal detectors installed.
Looking to the future, SEPTA has initiated a process to lease 10 passenger coaches from Maryland’s commuter rail service, MARC, as a temporary solution to bolster capacity during the ongoing challenges with the Silverliner IVs. In addition, the agency is seeking bids from manufacturers for the creation of 234 new Silverliner VI cars, expected to be delivered within a five to seven-year timeframe at an estimated cost of billion. SEPTA plans to pursue a federal loan to finance this critical investment.
The situation underscores SEPTA’s commitment to improving the reliability and safety of its Regional Rail system, aiming to restore commuter confidence as it navigates these substantial logistical and technical hurdles.
Source: Media News Source
