To Our Riders,
As we confront the significant challenges facing SEPTA’s Regional Rail network, we recognize that our customers and our employees are both feeling the strain. I ride our Regional Rail trains also, and I’ve seen the frustration caused by the recent service disruptions – the cancellations and skipped stations, the delays and the crowding – related to enhanced safety inspections of the Silverliner IV trains. I want to thank our customers for their patience. But nothing is more important to us than safety, and we are working 24/7 to address federally mandated safety requirements. To keep you informed, we want to explain what we have done to improve safety and reduce travel disruptions. We invite you to stay up to date on the progress we are making.
Nothing is more important to us than safety, and we are working 24/7 to address federally mandated safety requirements.
Scott A. Sauer
SEPTA General Manager
Following recent fires involving Silverliner IV rail cars, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) issued an Emergency Order requiring a series of safety actions. These cars – which make up two-thirds of our Regional Rail fleet – date back to the mid-1970s. They are among the oldest passenger rail cars operating anywhere in the country.
Since February, SEPTA has been working closely with both the FRA and the National Transportation Safety Board. Together we’ve developed and implemented 40 mitigation measures, including additional inspections, audible alarms for fault lights, and enhanced live video monitoring of trains from our Control Center. We’ve also reduced the use of these railcars and are performing in-person inspections at our Center City stations.
Our mechanics, engineers, and safety teams are working around the clock to keep service running safely while meeting every new federal requirement. But we also know we must go further. This moment has made clear that we must strengthen how we operate – the way we inspect and communicate, and the way we learn from challenges. We’re taking a hard look at ourselves to ensure we not only fix what’s urgent today but improve our processes and accountability going forward.
At the same time, sustainable investment in SEPTA remains essential to fulfilling our mission. For decades, chronic underfunding has forced SEPTA to stretch aging infrastructure and vehicles far beyond their intended lifespans. We’ve recently had to delay or cancel over $1 billion in planned projects because the funding simply isn’t there. The result is what the region is experiencing today – a system doing its best under the weight of deferred investment.
Our riders deserve better, and we are committed to doing better, while fighting for more funding to build a world-class transit network that is safe and reliable. That is our priority every day – making SEPTA stronger and safer for everyone who depends on us.
With appreciation,
Scott A. Sauer
General Manager, SEPTA