SEPTA will advance initiatives to renew critical infrastructure, replace aging portions of its fleet, expand capacity for growing ridership and make technology improvements under its proposed Fiscal Year 2018 Capital Budget and 12-Year Capital Program.
The capital budget funds projects such as bridge and track replacement, reconstruction of stations and other facilities, and the purchase of new vehicles. It also focuses on the implementation of new technologies for customers, such as real-time travel alerts. Following public hearings, the Capital Budget plan will go to the SEPTA Board for approval.
The $727.2 million FY 2018 proposal advances SEPTA’s “Rebuilding the System” initiative, a comprehensive program to reinvest in the transit network throughout the region. The Authority embarked on this plan following the November 2013 passage of Act 89, which provides capital funds for transportation improvements throughout Pennsylvania.
In the coming year, SEPTA will move ahead with a number of major initiatives, including:
- Communications, Signal Systems and Technology Improvements
- Bridge Improvement Program
- Safety and Security Improvements
- SEPTA Key – fare modernization project
- Stations, Loops and Parking Improvements
- Substations and Power Improvements
- Track and Right-of-Way Improvements
- Vehicle Acquisitions and Overhauls
The full budget proposal, including program and project details, visit https://www.septa.org/strategic-plan/reports/FY-2018-Capital-Budget-Proposal-and%20FY-2018-2029%20Capital-Program.pdf.
SEPTA riders and other local residents are invited to ask questions and submit comments about the Capital Budget during public hearings on Wednesday, April 26. Sessions will be held at 11:30 am and 5 pm. In the Board Room at SEPTA Headquarters, 1234 Market Street, Philadelphia. Comments can also be submitted online at https://www.septa.org/notice/fy2018-capbudget.html.
An independent hearing examiner will review all public feedback and submit a recommendation prior to the SEPTA Board’s vote on the proposal, which is expected at its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, May 25.