SEPTA reduces train service in Delaware

More than 2,000 Delaware commuters will face inconveniences as SEPTA reduces peak time service almost in half to make necessary repairs to trains.

SEPTA inspectors found a defect with its Silverliner V Regional Rail cars, resulting in the trains’ suspension.

Weekday travel will be affected starting Tuesday as repairs on the 120 rail cars begin. SEPTA will run a modified Saturday schedule, developed for weather emergencies, with additional rush hour trips.

“Reduced service will put a strain on commuters—there’s less trains, different times—people will have to make adjustments to that,” said John Sisson, chief executive officer at the Delaware Transit Corporation.

He said problems may not occur during the first week, since many people take vacation after Independence Day, but next week DTC expects to have clearer knowledge as to what extent the changes will affect commuters.

Sisson expects fewer difficulties during morning northbound travel, but predicts more challenges when commuters return to Delaware in the afternoon during rush hour. He encourages commuters to arrive at stations early and to be patient.

DelDOT also is working to adjust bus schedules to take people to and from stations and work. Sisson said he hopes the trains will be back in service over the next month.

“We understand it’s unfortunate this has happened, but we’re happy the inspectors found the problem and identified it and are making safety repairs that need to be done and nothing tragic happened because of lack of inspection,” Sisson said. “But it’s unfortunate it will impact our services.”