SEPTA has cancelled its $185 million contract with China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC), a government-owned company, to buy 45 double-decker train cars for Regional Rail lines. The decision came after four years of project delays and more than $50 million already spent, with no cars delivered. The contract, awarded in 2017, faced issues including poor quality work and missed deadlines, despite initial plans for delivery by 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic further delayed the expected completion to 2023. CRRC expressed disappointment over the termination but remains committed to finishing the project. SEPTA, meanwhile, is exploring options to recover the funds spent and has shifted its focus to replacing older rail cars rather than pursuing new double-decker models.
In an incrediable twist, a rail enthurist on Youtube recently caught a shell for SEPTA’s order being transported over to the CRRC facility in Massachusetts.