SEPTA proposes flat capital budget for 2013

The authority’s bus purchase program, costing $59 million, is the most expensive item in the budget, with $53 million allocated to vehicle overhauls and another $53 million going toward debt service.

Big capital projects scheduled for fiscal year 2013 include a so-called “early action” phase of the $100 million City Hall station reconstruction project — timed to coincide with renovations the Center City District is making to Dilworth Plaza — and continued rollout of the new fare card project.

SEPTA, largely with state money, will also be relocating portions of the Route 15 trolley for reconstruction of Interstate 95.

Major projects, including the extension of regional rail service to Elwyn and reconstruction of the aging Wayne Junction substation, are being deferred for a second year as the authority awaits increased transportation funding from Harrisburg.

Despite a constrained budget environment, Lower Merion Township planner Angela Murray asked SEPTA officials at a public meeting Wednesday for funds to complete a portion of a project at the Ardmore regional rail station.

She wants money to complete a new parking garage, which she called “the most key element” of a long-delayed plan to redevlop an area around the station. The township has secured state funding for the project, and she said the money could be lost if SEPTA doesn’t provide its own match.

Public hearings on the budget will be held in April.

SEPTA is accepting written comments for its program until close of business on Feb. 10. Comments can be sent by email to capbudget@septa.org or by postal mail to:

SEPTA Capital Budgets Department

Attn: Capital Budget and Program
1234 Market St., 9th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19107