In a move to keep commuters on track, SEPTA has secured 10 borrowed train cars from Maryland’s MARC system to address ongoing issues with its Silverliner IV fleet.
Cars Arrive in Philadelphia
SEPTA officials announced last month that the transit agency would be borrowing rail cars from the Maryland Area Rail Commuter (MARC) system. A spokesperson told NBC10 that the borrowed MARC cars are expected to arrive in Philadelphia later this week, with the first vehicles scheduled to be in the city by Friday morning.
The lease covers 10 train cars, costing approximately $2.6 million. The borrowed cars are classified as coaches, meaning riders will experience a different feel compared to the Silverliner IV units.
Training and Deployment Timeline
After the cars reach Philadelphia, SEPTA will dedicate time to train crews and mechanics on their operation. Officials explained that the borrowed trains will not be placed on the tracks until mid‑December, allowing sufficient preparation time.
This delay means that the cars will only begin service after crews are fully familiar with their systems, ensuring safety and reliability once they hit the rails.
Financial and Regulatory Details
According to SEPTA spokesperson Andrew Busch, the money for the lease will come from capitol funds that are part of next year’s budget. The lease has been approved by PennDOT, giving the arrangement regulatory clearance.
Busch also noted that SEPTA is working to overhaul its fleet of 223 Silverliner IV trains to keep them operational for another six to ten years. “Repaired Silverliner IV rail cars are performing well, but due to the fact that those rail cars are now over 50 years old, we will have to continue to perform more intensive inspections, maintenance and repairs moving forward,” Busch said.
By having more rail cars available, SEPTA can reduce the possibility of service disruptions caused by equipment shortages.
Future Fleet Plans
Looking ahead, Busch said that although SEPTA has no funds budgeted for it at the moment, the agency is seeking bids from companies to design and build a new fleet of rail cars. “We are looking at federal loan options that we believe SEPTA will qualify for to cover some of the costs,” Busch told NBC10 in November.
He added that SEPTA typically does not fund major projects with loans due to the added costs, but in this case, advancing procurement is necessary and cannot wait for a funding solution.
Lease Duration
The lease on the MARC cars is set for one year. SEPTA expects to use the borrowed cars through 2026, according to officials.
Key Takeaways
- SEPTA leases 10 MARC train cars for $2.6 million, arriving in Philadelphia by Friday.
- The borrowed coaches will not run until mid‑December after crew training.
- The lease is approved by PennDOT and funded by next year’s capitol budget.
- SEPTA plans to overhaul its 223 Silverliner IV fleet for another 6‑10 years.
- The agency is pursuing bids and federal loan options for a new fleet.
The move underscores SEPTA’s efforts to maintain service reliability while addressing the aging Silverliner IV fleet and preparing for future transit needs.
