Meanwhile, safety inspection operations for large trains called the Silverliner IV conducted by SEPTA have continued resulting in widespread cancellations and delays on the Regional Rail system on Monday. According to SEPTA, this process is necessary for it to ensure safety for operation on heavily used routes.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

SEPTA faces mounting challenges as safety inspections remove railcars from service, causing delays and cancellations while financial shortfalls and aging equipment deepen the agency’s long-term crisis
Photo: wikipedia

“We can confirm that there will be no service on the Airport, Fox Chase, or Chestnut Hill West line. Due to reduced fleet availability, several significant train cancellations have been made for the morning schedule, including trains 9411, 412, 425, 802, 809, and 814. Further cancellations have been made for trains 426, 9435, 436, 449, 9450, 9459, 460, 473, 821, 826, 833, 838, 845, 850, 857, and 862 later in the day.

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The officials cited these cancellations as opportunities for the transport entity to redistribute train sets. They explained that “by cutting routes in a strategic way, we are able to keep routes on schedule and avoid last-minute issues.” The adjustments by SEPTA have been incorporated into their website updates for easier route selection by commuters.

Due to these inspections, trains have been operating with reduced coaches because several Silverliner IV cars have been taken out of service. Passengers can expect trains to be crowded during peaks, especially in Center City Philadelphia, with possibly missed stops on these trains. The transit authority asked passengers for extra travel time and to check the real-time service information page on the SEPTA website for updates.

SEPTA: Balances Safety and Reliability with Long-Term

The cancellations come on top of a two-week inspection extension ordered after a safety inquiry by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) ordered a thorough check on all Silverliner IV trains. Several incidents have been reported related to electrical problems and fires. Due to this safety notice, all 225 cars have been grounded with immediate effect.

Maintenance crews had examined 114 vehicles by October 31, with an average inspection rate of about eight vehicles per day. Engineers are testing the high-voltage components, connectors, and underframe for any indications of overheating or insulation failure. Inspections are scheduled to continue for several more weeks, subject to the availability of replacement components.

“At SEPTA, nothing is more important than passenger safety,” a spokesperson for the authority emphasized. “Each examined and cleared train is then confirmed before it is put back in service,” officials added. “SEPTA continues to work with the NTSB and local suppliers to expedite any repair work and regain fleet capacity,” it was noted.

Passengers have expressed dismay because this measure has resulted in reduced service on several lines since mid-October. However, officials with SEPTA pointed out that this short-term nuisance will save passengers from any long-lasting service disruption. They have expressed confidence that information gathered during this inspection will inform future upgrade decisions for their trains, such as the purchase of new-generation electric passenger cars.

Transportation analysts point out that another maintenance concern is presented by the current generation of Silverliner IV trains, which entered service in the 1970s. These trains have aged systems which require constant attention. Given the cost required for replacement programs, it is expected that investment will be sought in 2026 by SEPTA for rolling stock upgrading.

Despite this situation, to assist commuters, SEPTA’s customer service team has extended hours for their call centers and made more staff members available in areas such as Suburban Stations and 30th Street Stations. Passengers can take Amtrak Keystone Service, PATCO, or NJ Transit alternatives to reach their destinations.

Source: www.nbcphiladelphia.com

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