Post by : Badri Ariffin

Malvern, PA — Governor Josh Shapiro revealed on Monday that Pennsylvania is allocating an extra $220 million to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) to enhance safety measures and refurbish the aging Silverliner IV railcars. This funding comes in response to federal mandates following fire incidents in these decades-old vehicles.

The Silverliner IV fleet, which has been in service since the 1970s, represents nearly two-thirds of SEPTA’s regional rail cars. Earlier this year, five fire-related incidents led the Federal Railroad Administration to intervene, resulting in the suspension of several railcars for essential safety checks and repairs.

“This funding ensures that SEPTA continues to be a safe and dependable service for our communities,” said Shapiro at a press event held at SEPTA’s Frazer maintenance facility. “The importance of public transit cannot be overstated for our economy and everyday lives.”

Following federally mandated inspections, SEPTA has initiated important upgrades, permitting some of the Silverliner IV cars to return to service for the first time since October. Recently, commuters experienced service delays, cancellations, and overcrowding due to operational adjustments, with the system functioning at about one-third capacity during these emergency checks. Full regional rail service is anticipated to resume by mid-December.

The state funding will not only facilitate the repair of railcars but also enhance line inspections, maintenance efficiency, and support for additional railcar leasing or purchasing. SEPTA estimates that a full replacement of the Silverliner IV fleet would cost close to $1 billion and take nearly a decade, making this investment vital for the short-term sustainment of services.

Shapiro underscored the importance of timely action, highlighting major events scheduled in Philadelphia, such as FIFA World Cup matches, the celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday, the MLB All-Star Game, PGA Championship, and NCAA March Madness, all of which necessitate a reliable transit system.

While the Silverliner IV fires resulted in only minor injuries, they illuminated the broader challenges confronting U.S. transit agencies, including aging fleets, insufficient maintenance funding, and escalating operational expenses. SEPTA alone reports a backlog exceeding $10 billion in essential upgrades, mirroring the difficulties faced by public transit agencies nationwide.

#Business News #Economy