SEPTA Officials Update Public On Regional Rail Service Plan
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- SEPTA Officials have announced their Regional Rail Service Plan after reducing a third of their fleet due to defective equipment on their Silverliner V vehicles.
On Sunday, SEPTA General Manager Jeff Knueppel addressed the "fatigue cracks" that have developed on equalizer beams on the majority of their Silverliner V cars, prompting an inspection and the subsequent train shortage. He noted that Tuesday would be a challenge and unfortunately rough on railroad customers.
Modified Schedule
SEPTA will operate a modified Saturday schedule Monday through Friday with additional trains added to help accommodate the morning and afternoon rush hours. Trains will run on every line with the exception of the Cynwyd line where shuttle buses will be available.
Some trains will have additional cars added to them but officials say riders should expect crowded conditions. Once full capacity is reached on-board, SEPTA says trains will not be able to make stops to pick up additional riders. The company is encouraging riders who catch the train closer to Center City to consider alternate SEPTA services.
Officials say the modified schedule will be evolving throughout the summer. Check SEPTA.org for more details and schedule updates.
Alternate Options
Rush hour service is being extended until 10 a.m. and between 3 and 7 p.m. on the Broad Street and Market-Frankford lines, as well as the Norristown High Speed line and Route 101/102 Trolleys to help accommodate Regional Rail riders.
SEPTA officials plan to monitor ridership on its buses and enhance service if needed.
Amtrak service is another alternate option for some riders.
Ticketing
Customers who have purchased weekly and monthly Trail Passes will be able to use them for any mode of SEPTA transit. The company is also advising customers to hold onto their passes and tickets so they can be used towards purchasing a future passes.
Parking
SEPTA riders who plan on taking the Broad Street Line as an alternate will find the most parking near the AT&T station. SEPTA secured 1,600 spots at the former Naval Hospital at 1600 Pattison Avenue as well as some spaces in the Citizens Bank Park lot at Broad Street and Pattison Avenue.
Riders considering the Market-Frankford line can find parking at 601 North Columbus Blvd where it's just a short walk to the Spring Garden station.
SEPTA has also waived the fees to park at the Frankford Transportation Center.
Additional parking options may become available. In the meantime, customers can look up available parking at the station nearest them on the Philadelphia Parking Authority's website.
SEPTA officials say the train shortage is an unprecedented event and are asking customers to be patient as they continue to develop their contingency plan.
