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Credit: Tom Sofield/NewtownPANow.com
SEPTA is planning to bring the majority, if not all, of its Silverliner V fleet back on the tracks by mid-November.
The news that SEPTA was making progress in repairing the cracked equalizer beams that sidelined the entire 120 car Silverliner V fleet earlier this summer came at a Wednesday press conference held at the transit agency’s Philadelphia headquarters.
SEPTA General Manager Jeff Knueppel said the transit agency is working with Hyundai Rotem, the manufacturer of the rail cars, to fix the problem. Several contracts are in place to get the problem resolved and get the Silverliner V cars back on area Regional Rail lines, like the Doylestown, Trenton, West Trenton and Warminster lines that serve Bucks County.
Working with Hyundai Rotem, SEPTA has tested repairs on a train last week. Engineers are currently deciding between two design options for new equalizer beams. Once the preferred beams are chosen, the system would be field tested to make sure the cars are safe for passengers.
Knueppel said the design choice should be made by Friday and equalizer beam production will begin by August 11. The first repaired Silverliner V cars used for commuter service could be in use on Regional Rail lines by late August.
Jeff Knueppel speaking to reporters.
SEPTA has faced criticism for crowded Regional Rail cars since the 120 Silverliner V units were taken out of service. Knueppel said the crowding is an issue the transit agency is still dealing with.
Since the Siverliner V fleet was taken off-line, SEPTA has issued a schedule with less weekday service than previously and has leased more than 25 cars from outside transit agencies. Starting in early October, according to Knueppel, SEPTA hopes to return to a regular weekday schedule.
By September, the issue is expected to have cost SEPTA nearly $2 million due to lost fare revenue, leasing costs and other related expenses, Knueppel said. He added that SEPTA will work to recover funds where possible.
The general manager said SEPTA has a balanced budget and plans to maintain that going forward.
The design flaw that caused the cracked equalizer beams has been a blemish in what has been a relatively positive period for SEPTA. The transit agency has received praise for its handling of Pope Francis’ visit and the recent Democratic National Convention. Also, SEPTA has worked to improve its aging infrastructure over the past two years.
Knueppel told reporters SEPTA was grateful for the recent hard work of its employees during the recent issue.
