According to recent observations, at least one Silverliner IV has been retrofitted with new flourescent lights in the vestibules. Car 305 was spotted with these lights. It isn't clear if this is a demo or if it will be extended to the entire fleet.
New Levittown Station Announced
On Thursday, SEPTA announced that in three years, there will be a new Levittown Station built, replacing the current 54 year old station. Right now, the new station is being designed with the help of a federal grant. Expect this brand new station to be completed in 2010.
Rt 11/CSX crossing sinks
Yesterday, the trolley tracks at the rt 11 and CSX crossing began to sink below the railroad tracks. Therefore, the rt 11 trolley is short turning at Island Ave, and shuttle buses are being provided between that point and Darby Transportation Center. Also, the 13 trolley is not serving Darby terminal either. Rt 13 Darby trips are in place for access to Elmwood depot and to minimize deadhead times. Now, trolleys will have to access the 13 via 49th St and 58th Sts. CSX is responsible for this crossing, and should have it fixed by Friday.
Fare Increase Vetoed by Philly Board Members
In today's monthly board meeting, the Philadelphia representatives of the SEPTA board vetoed the new fare proposal set to take effect July 1st, 2007. However, their veto can be overruled in June if 3/4 of the board votes for this budget plan.
The budget proposal was for "Plan A", with an 11% increase in the cost of passes and regional rail fares, but no increase in the base transit fare and for tokens. Transfers would be eliminated in an effort to raise more funds.
Analysis shows that leasing the Turnpike is best to fund transit
An analysis performed by the independent company Morgan Stanley & Co. showed that of all the options presented to create dedicated funding for transportation in the state, leasing the PA turnpike will raise the most money, meeting all the financial needs of public transit and public roads throughout the state. The other options would help, but would need another revenue source to produce adequate funds. (U.S. Newswire)
SEPTA introduces new summer route to the Zoo
On May 26, SEPTA is starting a new service called the Zoo Link. This route will run from 30th Street Station to the Philadelphia Zoo on weekends. The schedule can be found on SEPTA's website at the following location: http://www.septa.org/service/sched/pdfs/bus_81_x/315ZOOLINK.pdf
SEPTA fights for two story ad space
As a desperate funding measure, SEPTA is seeking permission to sell two stories of its downtown building as ad space. They tried it last year with Dunkin' Donuts, but it turned out to be illegial due to zoning laws. Now, SEPTA is trying again (the right way this time) so that they can get a few extra pennies in their pocket.
SaveTRANSIT is back
Well, it technically hasn't gone anywhere, but SEPTA's website now has a link to www.savetransit.org once again. This time, it's a refreshed website with updated information on the "Transit Funding Crisis". It's interesting because it shows a lot of information such as ridership statistics for each division (City, Victory, Frontier, and Regional Rail). On the homepage, there is also a message from Faye Moore, urging citizens to act to "save transit".
Orbital Sciences wins 17.8 million dollar contract from SEPTA
Orbital Sciences Corporation (ORB) got a 17.8 million dollar contract for its Transportion Management Systems division for the implementation of a system to better manage SEPTA's Paratransit Division, Customized Community Transport (CCT), the 2nd largest Paratransit operation in the country. As you may already know, Orbital is also the manufacturer of SEPTA's automatic stop announcement system (at least on the buses).
Bill proposed to extend MARC train to Elkton, Maryland
Cecil County proposed a bill that would require MARC to negotiate with Amtrak (its contractor) to extend service up to Elkton, Maryland on its Penn Line by July 1st, 2010. This is to fill the 20 mile gap between Newark, Delaware (SEPTA terminus) and Perryville, Maryland (MARC Terminus). A lot of this revolves around the BRAC (Federal Base Realignment and Closure) population moving to the Elkton/Newark area to work in Aberdeen, such as the Aberdeen Proving Ground.
Also considered is the fact that many people already have to drive to Newark from Maryland in order to take SEPTA into Philadelphia. If MARC were to extend the Penn Line up to Elkton, Maryland; Delaware is prepared to extend SEPTA's R2 Newark Line down to Elkton to meet it! This would make SEPTA Regional Rail unique in the fact that it would serve four states!
Currently, service between Elkton and Newark is provided by DART First State's route 65.
More information is available at this webpage: http://www.cecilwhig.com/articles/2007/03/19/news/01.txt.