Delaware SEPTA commute eases with partial service restoration

SEPTA adds a partial service restoration to ease the commute. 

Transportation authorities say headaches caused by limited SEPTA service are starting to ease as leased trains are added to relieve the strain on commuters.

More than 2,000 Delaware commuters faced inconveniences as SEPTA reduced peak time service almost in half beginning July 4 to make necessary repairs to trains.

SEPTA inspectors found a defect with 120 of its Silverliner V Regional Rail cars, resulting in the trains’ suspension. SEPTA ran a modified Saturday schedule, developed for weather emergencies, with additional rush hour trips.

On Monday, SEPTA restored service to three roundtrip trains, adding them its interim schedule as repairs continue.

The weekday service between Wilmington, Claymont and Center City Philadelphia now includes 32 trains, compared to the normal 40. Between Newark, Fairplay at Churchman’s Crossing and Philadelphia there are 12 trains, compared to the normal 20.

“SEPTA’s Wilmington/Newark train service is definitely better than last week and passengers seem to have adjusted their schedules accordingly,” spokesperson for the Delaware Transit Corporation, Julie Theyerl, said in an email. 

“We have not received any reports of severe overcrowding in Delaware; however, there have been expected delays.”

SEPTA expects the disruption to last until after Labor Day.

The interim schedule can be viewed online at http://www.septa.org/service/2016-07-modified-nwk.pdf