SEPTA Receives Extension for Silverliner IV Inspections from Federal Railroad Administration
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has granted SEPTA a crucial extension to conduct inspections on its Silverliner IV Regional Rail fleet. This extension allows SEPTA an additional two weeks, moving the deadline to November 14, beyond the previous cutoff of October 31.
Concerns Over 50-Year-Old Railcars
The extension comes on the heels of safety concerns following a series of fires involving these aging railcars. These incidents prompted an urgent safety warning from the National Transportation Safety Board, which highlighted an “immediate and unacceptable safety risk” associated with the 223 Silverliner IV railcars.
Details of the Inspections
As of now, SEPTA crews have inspected 120 of the 223 cars. The agency expresses confidence in completing the inspections within the granted timeframe.
- Original inspection deadline: October 31
- New inspection deadline: November 14
- Total railcars: 223 Silverliner IV
- Inspections completed: 120 railcars
- New deadline for thermal protection circuit installation: December 5
Impact on Regional Rail Services
The ongoing safety inspections have resulted in significant service disruptions. Regional Rail riders are experiencing delays, overcrowded trains, and cancellations. SEPTA General Manager Scott A. Sauer acknowledged these challenges and thanked riders for their patience during this critical period.
While inspections proceed, SEPTA is committed to ensuring the safety and reliability of services for its customers. The agency emphasizes that the extension granted by the FRA will allow them to make the necessary safety adjustments effectively.
