PHILADELPHIA — SEPTA is getting a substantial funding boost from PennDOT that will be used for urgent safety upgrades, officials said Monday.

Gov. Josh Shapiro Monday announced he has directed PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll to allocate an additional $220 million to SEPTA to provide urgent safety upgrades and infrastructure improvements.

This move comes on the heels of the Federal Railroad Administration and the Federal Transit Administration requiring SEPTA to inspect its fleet of Silverliner IV railcars after investigators said they had an electrical fire risk. Those inspections were completed ahead of schedule, and about 180 railcars are expected to be operational by mid-to-late December.

The inspection process led SEPTA to cancel numerous weekday trains.

SEPTA’s injection of capital will be used in the following ways, according to Shapiro’s office:

Upgrade the Regional Rail Fleet, $95 million

Enhancements to Silverliner IV safety and electrical systemsUpgrades to Silverliner V propulsion, electrical systems, and reliability

Railcar Leasing & Procurement, $17 million

Lease 10 railcars from MARC (Washington–Baltimore region)Pursue purchase of 20 railcars from Montréal’s Exo system

Metro Fleet Upgrades, $8 million

Overhauls of metro fleet traction motorsDoor operator upgrades to ensure safe, reliable service

Utility Fleet & Power Infrastructure Upgrades, $48.4 million

Replacement of aging overhead catenary wires across SEPTA’s trolley and rail networksPurchase of new equipment to allow for more efficient inspections and maintenance of trolley infrastructure

Other Safety-Critical Infrastructure Investments, $51.5 million

Upgrade of 13 escalators at SEPTA stationsPurchase advanced inspection technologyImplement safety improvements at SEPTA’s Control Center to ensure continuity of operations

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“PennDOT is using every tool available to support transit systems across the Commonwealth,” Carroll said. “These resources will help SEPTA complete essential repairs, modernize aging infrastructure, and keep riders safe. But this is a temporary fix — we need sustained, predictable mass transit funding.”

Nearly 800,000 Pennsylvanians rely on SEPTA daily, and Shapiro said SEPTA is integral in getting the public to school, work, appointments, and more.

“Mass transit is absolutely critical to our Commonwealth’s economy, our communities, and the everyday lives of Pennsylvanians,” he said Monday at SEPTA’s SEPTA’s Frazer Shop & Yard in Chester County.

This money is important for SEPTA to complete critical repairs, meet federal safety requirements, and restore full service. But Shapiro said SEPTA’s funding still needs a long-term solution.

“I will keep fighting for additional recurring funding for mass transit in Harrisburg so that we can invest in mass transit systems, including SEPTA, all across the Commonwealth,” he said.

SEPTA General Manager Scott Sauer thanked Shapiro for his support of SEPTA and its riders.

“These funds are going to make a significant difference in our efforts to overcome this current crisis — and to prevent problems moving forward,” he said. “With these new capital dollars, we can advance initiatives that will improve service across the system. This money will be directed to projects that can begin quickly and will enhance safety and reliability for our riders. Thanks to the dedication of our employees, who have been working around the clock, we’re already returning up to five railcars to service each day. We expect to be close to full strength by mid-December, and these new funds will help keep us on the right trajectory as we bolster our preventative maintenance and vehicle overhaul efforts.”