SEPTA Reduces Regional Rail Fleet Due To Equipment Problems
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- More than 100 vehicles on SEPTA's Regional Rail line have been taken out of service due to equipment problems.
SEPTA officials say "fatigue cracks" have developed on equalizer beams on the majority of their Silverliner V cars, prompting an inspection and a revised transit schedule.
Service through the July 4 holiday is expected to be okay but the return to work on Tuesday will be a different story.
"Tuesday is the challenge," noted General Manager Jeff Knueppel at a press conference. "And unfortunately it will be rough on our railroad customers."
WATCH: The Complete Press Conference On SEPTA's Equipment Repairs
The affected trains joined SEPTA's fleet in either early 2010 or early 2013 and are still under warranty. There's no official cause for the defects but Knueppel says it's possible that either something happened during manufacturing or there was a design flaw. He also says the vendor is cooperating but notes that even a temporary fix will take considerable time.
The shortage is expected to continue through July and August.
During that time SEPTA plans to use the modified Saturday schedule that was developed for weather emergencies, adding in additional rush hour service. More details on the modified schedule will be available Monday at SEPTA.org.
Service options will also be bolstered on the Market Frankford, Broad Street, Norristown High Speed lines as well as the Media trolley lines. Taking one of these alternatives may be a good idea for riders if possible since regional rail stations closest to the city are expected to be overcrowded, especially during the morning rush hour.
Parking near some of those other SEPTA lines may also become available.
Right now SEPTA officials are working to develop a fair credit plan for riders who have already purchased transit passes. They advise customers to hold onto them because they may be able to use them towards future pass purchases. Most tickets and passes will also be honored on other lines to accommodate any service disruptions.
SEPTA is asking riders to bear with them as they firm up the service contingency plans and continue with the inspections. They took the vehicles out of service out of an "abundance of caution." Knueppel said derailment at high speeds would be a cause for concern had the issues gone unnoticed.
