PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is set to receive a substantial $317.16 million in infrastructure funding. The funds, announced on Friday by U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA), along with U.S. Representatives Brendan Boyle (D-PA-2), Dwight Evans (D-PA-3), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-5), and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, will be directed towards purchasing approximately 200 new rail cars for the Market-Frankford Line, SEPTA’s most heavily-used commuter rail line.
The federal funding comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Rail Vehicle Replacement Program, created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The Pennsylvania delegation in Congress has consistently advocated for federal support for SEPTA to enhance accessibility, promote sustainability, reduce emissions, upgrade bus infrastructure, expand trolley capacity, and make service faster and more reliable.
Senator Casey highlighted the importance of the funding, stating, “Thousands of Pennsylvanians depend on the Market-Frankford Line every day to get where they need to go—to work, to school, to spend time with family. With this vital funding, SEPTA can modernize its inventory with American-made rail cars while increasing safety and reliability for all of Southeastern Pennsylvania.”
Echoing these sentiments, Senator Fetterman expressed his pride in advocating for this critical funding and securing a record amount for southeastern Pennsylvania’s public transit infrastructure.
Congressman Evans emphasized the collaborative effort involved in securing these major investments. At the same time, Rep. Scanlon noted the positive impact the funding would have on improving passenger experience and making SEPTA’s infrastructure more sustainable.
Similarly, Congressman Boyle talked about the profound challenges SEPTA has faced in recent years and how this funding will bring long-overdue, visible improvements to the Market-Frankford line.
Mayor Parker hailed the investment as outstanding news for public transit, Philadelphia, and every Philadelphian who uses SEPTA each day to commute across the city.
To date, Pennsylvania Members of Congress have secured over a billion dollars in funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for SEPTA. This new round of funding is a significant addition to that amount, further underscoring the commitment to enhancing the region’s public transportation system.
The Market-Frankford Line, often referred to as the “El” by locals due to sections of the track being elevated, is a crucial artery for the city, serving key areas such as Center City, University City, and Northeast Philadelphia. The introduction of new rail cars will not only improve the quality of the ride for thousands of daily commuters but will also contribute to reducing the city’s carbon footprint, aligning with broader sustainability goals.
In summary, SEPTA has secured $317.16M in federal funding for 200 new rail cars on the Market-Frankford Line. The investment aims to modernize infrastructure, increase safety, and improve passenger experience. Moreover, this significant federal investment in SEPTA signals a renewed focus on improving the city’s public transportation infrastructure.
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