Repairs following superstorm cost SEPTA $550,000

SEPTA still hasn’t figured out how much revenue it lost during Superstorm Sandy. But the has estimated the cost of repairs — primarily due to removing downed trees and restoring power lines — at $550,000.

Based on past storms, such as Irene, shutting the entire system down during the nastiest weather probably saved money on repairs, says SEPTA spokesman Andrew Busch.

“We didn’t sustain any kind of long-term or permanent damage that’s going to require us going out on a major project or additional expense.” For that, Busch says, the agency is very grateful.

Whatever the final cost after the lost fares, SEPTA’s fund for a rainy-day budget has not been just for rainy days.

Busch says the transit agency has been dipping into the “service stabilization fund,” as it’s formally known, over the last several years to balance its operating budget. As the total has ebbed significantly, Busch says the agency continues to monitor it with concern.

Elsewhere, a PATCO representative says the costs of shutting down high-speed rail service between South Jersey and Philadelphia during the storm hurt very little. Costs of the ongoing New Jersey Transit repairs have not been pinpointed.