SEPTA warns of service disruptions on Regional Rail in Philadelphia region after federal order
SEPTA says Regional Rail riders could face possible cancellations, delays and crowded trains over the next month after last week's federal emergency order required the transit agency to stop using some of its railcars due to fire risk.
Last week, the National Transportation Safety Board urged SEPTA to immediately stop using its Silverliner IV railcars because they pose a safety risk due to electrical fires that could spread. Then, the Federal Railroad Administration issued an emergency order that required SEPTA to take immediate action.
"SEPTA crews are performing enhanced safety inspections and removing rail cars from service proactively for further examination as needed," SEPTA said in a statement.
Riders faced delays, cancellations and crowded trains Monday, and SEPTA said it anticipates additional service disruptions in the days to come.
"SEPTA is exploring all options for mitigating trip cancellations and delays, and updates will be provided as new information is available," SEPTA wrote in a statement. Spokesperson Andrew Busch said some trains that typically have four cars may only have two while the inspections are happening.
As a result of the order by the Federal Railroad Administration, SEPTA had to submit a plan to pull each Silverliner IV car for mechanical inspection, develop plans to determine the root causes of the fires and require engineers to report brake or acceleration problems and other issues. A longer list of compliance measures must be completed within 30 days.
The NTSB's recommendations stemmed from five fires on Silverliner IV railcars that happened in the Philadelphia region.
The NTSB says its investigation "found that SEPTA's current operating practices have failed to protect passengers and crews because defective railcars have been kept in passenger service," according to the report. Moreover, the report argues the fires indicate "organizational lapses" on SEPTA's part.
Riders frustrated by disruptions
SEPTA officials are asking for patience during this process, which includes pulling the cars apart and making repairs, including installing thermal indicators with the goal of preventing more fires.
Some riders said Monday the disruption was already affecting their commutes.
"This morning when I went in, my initial train that I was supposed to take just drove right past because it was already too packed," said Zack Febbo, who commutes to Center City from Roxborough.
This latest frustration comes on top of recent fare hikes across the SEPTA system.
"Now with these delays, I can't justify the cost of having to pay that much a week," Matthew Thomas said.
SEPTA officials say they're working as quickly as possible to get information out to riders and encourage people to check their website, app and X accounts for the latest. SEPTA ambassadors will also be at Center City stations to help customers, officials say.
SEPTA searches for more funding
The order from the feds comes as SEPTA still searches for long-term funding, with Harrisburg still behind on a state budget.
After the transit agency implemented service cuts at the end of August, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro approved SEPTA's plan to use capital project money to fund daily operations for the next two years. Shapiro directed PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll to flex $394 million from SEPTA's capital expenses for operations.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker said last week that the order from the federal government confirms the need for more funding.
"When anyone questioned my concerns and apprehension last month about SEPTA using capital funds for operating costs, this moment is why," Parker said in a statement. "We are anxiously waiting for the Pennsylvania General Assembly to deliver and approve that sustainable, recurring source to fund operating and capital needs for public transit."