MEDIA, PA — In a historic move set to revolutionize public transportation in Delaware County, the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has announced a grant of $317 million to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA). The hefty funding, the largest competitive grant in SEPTA’s history, will enable the transit agency to replace up to 200 older railcars operating on the heavily used Market-Frankford Line.
The announcement was made at the 69th Street Terminal in Upper Darby on February 21, with local officials including Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor and representatives from SEPTA in attendance. This unprecedented investment forms part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, which aims to improve transportation systems nationwide while generating well-paying jobs and bolstering economic competitiveness.
The Market-Frankford Line is the backbone of SEPTA’s transit system, connecting various services to vibrant commercial corridors and communities along its 13-mile stretch. Anchored by the 69th Street Transportation Center in Upper Darby, the line provides seamless connections to over 15 bus routes, two trolley lines, and the Norristown High Speed Line. However, the current railcars, having been in service for nearly 25 years, are at the end of their life cycle and no longer offer the frequency or reliability required to support the region’s most heavily traveled line.
The FTA’s Rail Vehicle Replacement Program, which provided the grant, is designed to help transit agencies like SEPTA modernize their systems by replacing older vehicles with new railcars. Not only will this enhance safety and reliability for passengers, but it will also create new access opportunities for people with disabilities.
The significance of this grant cannot be overstated. For Delaware County residents, the funding ensures a future of safer, more reliable transportation. For the local economy, it means an influx of well-paying jobs linked to the railcar upgrade project. Furthermore, by modernizing its transit system, SEPTA is poised to boost economic competitiveness in the region, making Delaware County an even more attractive place to live, work, and do business.
The railcar replacement project will have a positive impact on both the environment and public health. The new railcars will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology that reduces emissions and increases energy efficiency, resulting in cleaner air for all residents.
In addition to these benefits, the modernization of SEPTA’s transit system is also expected to improve connectivity and reduce travel times for commuters. With updated railcars, passengers can expect faster, more efficient service, allowing them to spend less time commuting and more time at home or work.
But perhaps one of the most significant impacts of this grant is the increased accessibility it will provide for individuals with disabilities. The new railcars will be designed to meet ADA standards, making it easier for those with mobility challenges to use public transportation and access opportunities throughout Delaware County and beyond.
As SEPTA embarks on this ambitious upgrade, Delaware County residents can look forward to a smoother, safer, and more efficient commute on the Market-Frankford Line. This massive grant is more than just an investment in railcars; it’s an investment in the community, the economy, and the future of Delaware County.
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