SEPTA to receive $13.3 million in federal funding to modernize Regional Rail
SEPTA is receiving a federal grant worth more than $13 million to replace its aging Silverliner IV Regional Rail fleet, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Thursday.
The next-generation cars are expected to improve reliability and energy efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, enhance accessibility and improve the experience for Regional Rail riders.
Last month, Pennsylvania approved a long-term transportation plan that includes a $2 billion project to replace SEPTA's Silverliner IV rail cars.
The transit authority is working to replace its 223-car Silverliner IV fleet as part of a long-term modernization of its Regional Rail system.
Duffy visited a SEPTA facility in the Overbrook section of Philadelphia Thursday to discuss the investment. The focus on the Silverliner IV cars comes after a series of fires on the trains prompted federal oversight, additional inspections and service disruptions last year.
"This is a show of good faith," Duffy said. "We've gone a long way from where we were a year ago. I'm proud of the work that SEPTA has done, the creative work they've done. It's a show of good faith that's going to continue on into the future as you look to new cars."
The money comes from the Federal Transit Administration's vehicle replacement grant program and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. SEPTA officials said the federal dollars will go toward planning and designing the new cars. They hope to award a contract for the new cars by the end of the year, but it could take seven years for the new cars to arrive.
SEPTA general manager Scott Sauer said riders are safe. SEPTA has already added cars to its Regional Rail fleet, including 10 cars the system leased from Maryland last year. In April, SEPTA bought 24 used cars from Canada, which officials said are expected to hit the tracks in the next few months.
Sauer said the transit authority plans to apply for other grants and push for more state and federal funding to get to $2 billion for this project.
"It's a very ambitious plan. But it's much needed. As the secretary mentioned, we have old equipment. We're the oldest rail fleet in the country. ... The best time to start this endeavor was yesterday," Sauer said. "The second best time is today."
Democratic U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle praised the news earlier this week.
"Regional Rail is essential for thousands of people across Philadelphia and southeastern Pennsylvania," Boyle said in a statement. "The Silverliner IV cars have served our region for half a century, and this federal investment will help SEPTA move forward with replacing this aging fleet with modern and accessible trains."
