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Here's How You Can Keep Up With SEPTA's New Regional Rail Schedule

By Molly Daly

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- So many SEPTA trains out of service for the immediate future means headaches for rail commuters and riders on other forms of transit.

SEPTA says starting Tuesday, it will implement a modified Saturday schedule developed for weather emergencies with added rush hour trips, with service running at 30 minute intervals on most lines.

Transit agency officials say that schedule will be posted Monday afternoon at SEPTA.org.

"SEPTA is running at about 90 percent of its capacity. There are some trains that are standing room only during the rush hour, and when you have to take out 30 percent of the fleet, that's going to cause some real problems," said Matthew Mitchell, the vice president of the Delaware Valley Association of Rail Passengers, an independent rider advocacy group.

By the time the train reaches your station, it may be so packed it won't even stop. That's why Mitchell is recommending that commuters download SEPTA's app for up to date information.

"They'll know where the alternate service is. They know how to use the SEPTA app, which is a great thing to have right now, because they schedules are gonna be in flux all summer," he said.

And bear in mind, you won't be alone in using those alternate forms of transportation.

"We're asking people to be courteous on-board. We're going to need every seat. Don't try to hold a seat empty next to you, because we're going to need them all," said Mitchell.

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