PHILADLEPHIA (WPVI) — SEPTA mechanics are working on two dozen newly acquired Canadian EXO Transit rail cars for service.
It will allow the transit agency will expand the number of seats for riders on a rolling-basis in the coming year.
Action News got a look at the new railcars SEPTA purchased from Canada.
Greg Buzby, SEPTA’s chief officer of rail, said the work begins with required upgrades.
“It’s mostly about complying with federal regulations. We have to do emergency light testing,” he said.
The 24 coach cars arrived last month after traveling more than 400 miles from Montreal.
The new cars will be phased into service in 2027 as crews install positive train control systems and adjust door heights to match local platforms.
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Buzby said training will also be extensive.
“Once we get the cars operational, we have to train all of our people to operate them correctly. That is no small task when you have over 200 engineers,” said Buzby.
Scott Sauer, SEPTA’s general manager, said the additional vehicles will help meet daily service needs.
Action News got a look at the new railcars SEPTA purchased from Canada.
“We’ve been struggling to get the number of cars out on the line that we need to get out. This gives us some additional capacity,” he said.
SEPTA considers the $8.5 million purchase a steep discount as ridership climbs to roughly 80% of prepandemic levels.
The agency has been working to rebuild its fleet after Silverliner IV cars were pulled from service for maintenance following a series of fires last year.
“One extra car means the difference from us having to bypass the station,” Sauer said.
SEPTA says the cars will seat an additional 60 to 70 riders, and new handrails will allow more passengers to stand during peak travel times, increasing overall capacity for commuters.
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