“The Hub” is a weekly round-up of transportation related news in the Philadelphia area and beyond. Check back weekly to keep up-to-date on the issues Clean Air Council’s transportation staff finds important.
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BillyPenn: SEPTA expects Regional Rail crowding and delays to subside this month – After months of delays, crowded trains, and cancelled service, Regional Rail riders can expect relief, according to SEPTA. Inspections and repairs have been completed, and railcars are being put back into service. The current rate is about 8 repaired cars back into service every day. The increase in cars will cut down on the crowded conditions that commuters have been experiencing. SEPTA has also leased 10 coaches from Maryland’s transit system to fix the shortage during inspection and repairs. SEPTA is looking to purchase new railcars to upgrade and expand Regional Rail service, but the lack of funding in the State budget severely limits any improvements the agency can make.
WHYY: SEPTA says trolley wire replacements are done, estimates tunnel will reopen in ‘weeks’ – The trolley tunnel between Center City and West Philadelphia has been closed since November, and work is nearing completion, according to SEPTA last week. Wire replacements have been completed, but system testing is still ongoing, with estimates that the tunnel will reopen in mid-January. The longer repair times are due to the unique nature of the work. SEPTA spokesperson Andrew Busch noted that SEPTA is focused on returning service only when it’s tested and proven safe and reliable for public transit users.
NBC Philadelphia: SEPTA buses replace trains during construction along the Fox Chase Line – Starting Monday, January 5th, SEPTA riders on the Fox Chase Line will rely on bus service at the Fox Chase, Ryders, Cheltenham, Lawndale, and Olney stations. SEPTA crews will be installing new tracks on weekdays, from 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Regional Rail service is expected to operate between Wayne Junction and Center City. Construction and bus service will be expected to continue through early April.
Other Stories
The Inquirer: SEPTA’s terrible, horrible, no good, very bad year
6ABC: Community-led Peace Patrol aims to boost safety on SEPTA
Fox Philadelphia: Philly’s red light cameras: $100 fines to start at Eakins Oval
Bicycle Coalition: 2025 Bike Count Summary Shows an Increase in Bicycle Trips
CBS Philadelphia: Atlantic City Expressway goes cashless as tolls rise for all drivers
