Author: van2025ko

Frontier's 5895 was spotted in service on Saturday, running the 99.  This was the bus that caught fire in Fort Washington back in February.  Although it went through a minor overhaul, it still retains its DD50 engine.

Starting today, due to construction service, rt 13 will operate on Woodland Ave to 49th street, then scoot on over to 49th Street and follow the regular route to Yeadon and Darby.  This is due to a massive construction project that will replace 4000 ft of old track.  Shuttle buses will run on Chester Ave between 40th Street and 49th Street.

More details here: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/news_press_release,193244.shtml

Ever since 1856, Lansale was using a watchman to control the crossing gates in Lansdale at Main Street and Broad Street.  This continued up until the 21st Century, where the Lansdale crossing was one of two in the country that was manually operated, and the only one east of the Mississippi River.  The main reason this watchman was retained was because of the complicated crossing nature of Lansdale station, particularly for short-turning trains since they stop so close to the street.

This weekend, SEPTA installed switches and circuits that would render the watchman and watchtower useless.  However, just in case there are any bugs in the system There is a comprehensive article (complete with pictures) at the following website: http://www.trainweb.org/phillynrhs/RPOTW071007.html.

At around 2:30 yesterday afternoon, a Warminster bound R2 train collided with a cement truck, which was trying to beat the train across the tracks near the intersection of County Line Road and Jacksonville Road.  Four people on the train suffered minor injuries, and the truck driver was taken to Abington Hospital.

The Silverliner II car that directly collided with the truck was 204.  Reports show that the stairwell was twisted, hanging on by a thread, and unfortunately, it was marked as totaled (probably due to its age).  The truck itself suffered significant damage.  The accident is still under investigation, particularly whether or not the signals were working properly and if they were down at the time the train was approaching.

In the aftermath of such collisions, the focus quickly shifts from immediate safety to restoration and repair. For diesel-powered vehicles like the cement truck involved, impact damage goes beyond cosmetic concerns. The engine, chassis, and transmission systems—all of which take a beating in a crash—require a deep inspection by trained diesel mechanics. Unlike gasoline engines, diesel systems operate under much higher pressure and demand greater resilience, making post-accident diagnostics both more complex and critical to long-term performance and safety.

In the business world, a collision of this scale does more than interrupt a delivery schedule—it can upend an entire operation. One incident can set off a chain reaction of expenses: vehicle replacement, equipment rental, legal exposure, and downtime that eats straight into revenue. Mid-crisis, companies are reminded that Commercial truck insurance isn’t just a formality; it’s the backbone of financial survival when the unexpected hits. Strong coverage helps stabilize operations, absorb repair costs, and keep workloads moving while the damaged vehicle undergoes inspections and diagnostics.

Beyond the financial buffer, adequate protection also reassures clients who depend on consistent service. A business that prepares for worst-case scenarios preserves its reputation during turbulent moments, ensuring customers experience minimal disruption. When accidents take a truck off the road—whether it’s a cement mixer or a fleet hauler—insurance becomes the bridge that helps a company regain momentum and return to the steady, dependable rhythm that keeps commerce moving forward.

That’s where specialized repair shops come in—particularly those with a strong track record in heavy-duty diesel work. Facilities such as Blue Wrench offer the kind of expertise needed to evaluate and restore diesel vehicles after traumatic events like this. From realigning bent axles to rebuilding turbocharged engines, their technicians approach each job with precision, understanding that these repairs aren’t just about getting back on the road—they’re about ensuring reliability under demanding conditions. In many ways, a diesel vehicle’s second life begins on the mechanic’s lift.

More broadly, incidents like this serve as a stark reminder of how essential preventative maintenance and responsive repair services are. Diesel engines may be built tough, but they’re not invincible—especially when exposed to sudden external force. Whether it’s fleet vehicles, public transit units, or construction trucks, keeping these machines in top form is a partnership between driver diligence and mechanical mastery. And in places where that mastery is trusted—like Blue Wrench—vehicles don’t just recover; they return stronger, smarter, and safer.

For truck owners, regular maintenance is more than just a recommendation—it’s a lifeline for keeping diesel vehicles running at peak performance. From oil changes and fuel system inspections to transmission work and advanced diagnostics, staying ahead of potential problems saves both time and money down the road. Many drivers rely on trusted service G&R Diesel, where specialized knowledge and hands-on experience ensure that trucks get the care they need to handle demanding workloads. With consistent upkeep, a diesel vehicle isn’t just maintained—it’s prepared to go the distance.

See the discussion here: http://www.railroad.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=43988&sid=2abec4d73b460503274d36e83be8ac71

New Jersey Transit is sending their Neoplan AN459s to Washington Twp Garage for framework.  They are coming down two at a time – one suburban and one transit style.  However, they won't be in revenue service, although I'm sure rt 400 riders would welcome them.

Pottstown Urban Transit finally received five new buses to replace their 1992 TMC RTS buses.  These new buses are Gillig BRTs.  The 1997/1998 Novabus RTSs are still a part of the fleet.

With these new Gilligs, PUT changed its name.  It is now known as Pottstown Area Rapid Transit, or PART for short.  Pictures and an updated PUT/PART page will come soon!

On September 27, 5844H was parked in front of SEPTA headquarters.  Hanging on it was a banner, stating "400 New clean air buses, 400 New reasons to breathe".  This was was announcing the SEPTA board's decision to order 400 new New Flyer DE40LF(R)s to replace the NABIs.  This order will take 4 years, with 100 buses being delivered each year.  There's also an option for 20 additional hybrids to be delivered each year as well.
Interestinly enough, the order will not come in 2009…but in 2008! The first of the production buses are going to be delivered in July!  The demo will arrive in March.  Get ready to breathe!

 

Since SEPTA couldn't get its way by eliminating transfers, they plan to raise the price of tokens to $1.45 each and the cost of transfers to 75 cents each.  These new fares will be implented October 1st, and will remain until the courts decide to grant SEPTA permission to eliminate the transfers.  This idea (created by Faye Moore) will be brought before the board in the next meeting.

More information on this interesting tale can be found here: http://www.kyw1060.com/SEPTA-Will-Raise-Fares-Due-to-Legal-Fight-With-Cit/968539

We've been waiting oh so patiently, but we'll have to wait a little bit more.  Although PATCO planned to roll out the Freedom card at the end of the summer, the trial cards haven't been working so well.  The cards were too fragile and the sensors weren't reading them properly.  The new estimated roll out is near the end of the year or early next year.

Delaware River Port Authority isn't happy, and are thinking about initiating contractual clauses since Cubic (the builder of the system) hasn't been meeting the deadlines.

More information here: http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/20070918_PATCO_is_smarting_over_faulty_smart_card.html

Well, it's almost official.  The SEPTA board will vote on their next order of buses….New Flyers!

Yes, continuing the trend from 2001, SEPTA is ordering yet another batch of New Flyers.  They will be delivered in increments of 100 (up to 400 buses) with an option for 20 additional hybrids each year.  The board is expected to  vote on this order next week.