SEPTA and N.J. Transit battle leaf delays

Area mass transit agencies are dealing with a slippery fall problem.  

The problem is the accumulation of leaves that get ground up leaving the tracks slippery.  SEPTA’s Andrew Busch says when the problem occurs the rails have to be cleaned and trains slowed down until the residue is removed.

“What we have is a diesel locomotive with a high pressure washer and what this does,  it blasts the leaves right off the track and if they have already been crushed and are leaving behind an oily deposit it cleans the tracks with a solution that is basically soap and water,” said Busch.

Bush says most of the regional rail riders and many trolley line users can expect delays from the leaves through December, only the Market Frankford and Broad Street lines appear to be immune from the problem.

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New Jersey Transit has a similar system and also warns of delays.

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