SEPTA debuts 'Accelerate' fleet renewal, modernization plan

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) this week announced a new investment program, "Accelerate." The program calls for series of investments in rolling stock over the next decade to ensure safe, reliable and accessible transit service for the authority's 800,000 daily riders. 

"After years of chronic underfunding, the moment to choose acceleration over managed decline is now," said SEPTA Board Chair Kenneth Lawrence Jr. in a press release. "We recognize that if greater investment is the key to our future success, then SEPTA must demonstrate that we are worthy investment partners. We are proud to be one of the most efficient transit systems in the country, and while there remains more work to do, the evidence demonstrates that we are good stewards of the public funding we receive."

SEPTA has planned the following investments, among others:

• modernizing its streetcar network through accessible stations and the purchase of 130 new low-floor trolleys;
• purchasing 200 new subway cars for the L Line, with delivery starting in 2029;
• purchasing new rolling stock for the B and M lines following the arrival of L Line vehicles; and
• launching the formal bid process for the acquisition of 230 new Silverliner VI Regional Rail cars.