Study addresses climate-related risks for SEPTA's commuter line

ICF International last week released the results of a study examining climate-related risks for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority's (SEPTA) Manayunk/Norristown commuter line.

The study, "A Vulnerability and Risk Assessment of SEPTA's Regional Rail," provides both an analysis of past service disruptions and future climate risks.

The line was found to be most vulnerable to heavy rain, snow storms and heat-related problems. The M/N Line has seen a "disproportionate share" of climate-caused disruptions in comparison to other lines, according to a statement from ICF.

"This study made long-term climate change information matter to SEPTA," ICF International Senior Vice President Anne Choate said in a statement. "We began with what they are currently experiencing and our investigation into current vulnerabilities allowed for a dialogue across disciplines on how to shore up the entire enterprise to climate and extreme weather risks into the future. As a result, SEPTA is more prepared and its staff is more attuned to climate-related vulnerabilities in the system."

The Federal Transit Administration provided funds for the study.