SEPTA To Replace, Not Repair Equalizer Beams On Silverliner V Rail Cars
By Steve Tawa
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- SEPTA has found the path it will take after fatigue cracks were discovered nearly three weeks ago in 115 of its Silverliner-5 rail cars.
The update came at a hearing called by state lawmakers getting constituent complaints about delays and overcrowded trains.
READ: SEPTA Releases New Interim Regional Rail Schedule
SEPTA General Manager Jeffery Knueppel now says they will replace rather than repair the equalizer beams on its Silverliner Five cars.
"There are too many cracks and you really cannot be sure about how long a life you would get out of the repair."
Knueppel says the transit agency is pursuing two replacement options at the same time to speed up production of replacement components, get them installed, and resume full service as soon as possible.
While SEPTA is leasing rail cars from other transit agencies, Knueppel expects significant service impacts to continue through July and August.
State Rep. Kevin Boyle asked for the hearing to get a handle on SEPTA's long-term plan to deal with those fatigue cracks and fallout caused be fewer trains.
"Anecdotally what kind of feedback are you getting from your constituents?"
"Massive frustration on a daily basis."
