As Leaves Fall, SEPTA Struggles With Slippery Rails
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The weather's cooler, the frost is on the pumpkin, and autumn leaves are falling. That means extra work for SEPTA, and possible delays on the Regional Rail lines.
Think of it as nature's "Slip 'N' Slide." Those gorgeous leaves fall to the ground, only to be crushed by passing vehicles. Septa's Andrew Busch says that can mean trouble on the rails.
"It makes a little bit of a coating on the track, and what that will do is decrease the friction of the trains wheels, and that creates a slippery rail conditon," he explains.
And that, he says, can slow down service:
"Usually you're looking at delays in the 10 to 15 minute range as we try to take care of the problem."
So how long will slippery rail season last?
"After the leaves have fallen and we can get them cleared off the track."
Just in time for snow and ice season.
To stay up to date on any delays, check Septa's web site, septa.org, sign up for Septa's Twitter feed, and listen to KYW Newsradio 1060 for "Traffic and Transit on the Twos."
Reported by Molly Daly, KYW Newsradio.
