The newest members of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority's fleet of commuter trains, 120 Silverliner V trains that have arrived since 2010, have not been sufficient in alleviating crowded rail lines.
"SEPTA is shuffling equipment and workers to try to deal with chronic crowding problems on Regional Rail trains, as ridership rises and old cars and locomotives break down more frequently," reports Paul Nussbaum.
"About 15 percent of SEPTA's rail cars are out of service on any given day, while passenger counts are up 4 percent from last year and 50 percent from 15 years ago."
Planners are currently drawing up orders for new trains, expected for delivery in 2017.
FULL STORY: Amid ridership surge, SEPTA trains are packed
Riders Getting Stuck in SEPTA Tunnels Due to Increased Security Measures
As ridership dropped during the pandemic, Philadelphia's transit agency started locking station doors to keep unhoused people from using the tunnels as shelter. Now, riders are becoming trapped inside.
Post-Pandemic Transit Planning: A New Era for Commuter Rail
Ridership on the nation's commuter rail services has plummeted more than other forms of transit during the pandemic. Serving a more affluent, professional ridership, commuter rail is looking more likely to face long-term cuts after the pandemic.
New Locomotives Hit the SEPTA Tracks
Philadelphia regional commuters will get some fancy new trains to ride.
Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
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Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
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