SEPTA is advancing a $2.117 billion program to replace its aging Silverliner IV Regional Rail fleet. The project will replace all 218 cars, which entered service between 1974 and 1976. The program covers vehicle design and the procurement of a new Regional Rail fleet. SEPTA also plans $132.59 million in infrastructure upgrades to operate and maintain the new trains.
Pennsylvania recently approved an updated regional long-range transportation plan that includes the replacement program. However, SEPTA has not yet secured the full funding required for the project. The agency expects low-interest loans to cover about half of the $2 billion replacement cost. Grants will provide less than half of the funding. SEPTA plans to advance procurement while it continues to secure financing.
SEPTA expects the first replacement cars to enter service in about seven years. The agency could take close to 10 years to complete the fleet replacement. In the interim, SEPTA is taking additional steps to support Regional Rail service. It has leased rail cars from Maryland for $2.6 million and is purchasing 24 cars from Montreal-based Exo. SEPTA will retrofit the Exo vehicles before placing them into service.
The agency will also continue enhanced maintenance of the Silverliner IV fleet until the replacement trains become available.