The Push Pull assignments page has been updated – as SEPTA slowly returns back to normal, Push Pulls are to be expected to show up on the Poali-Thorndale, Wilmington/Newark Line, West Trenton, and Trenton lines.
SEPTA Push Pulls sidelined
Since the middle of last week, all SEPTA Push Pulls has been sidelined from service. According to reports, the ex-Reading side [East/North of Jefferson Station] of the system has experienced issues with it’s power substations.
It is doubtful that the SEPTA Push Pulls will be sidelined for too long. After all for the past several years almost $400 million in capital expenditures and upgrades to infrastructure to aid in the support and expansion of the Push Pull fleet.
Here is the break down:
1) To upgrade the substations at least $100 million
2) Purchase of 15 ACS-64 – $154 million
3) Contract with CRRC (CRRC Corporation Limited based in China built in Springfield, MA) to build 45 Multilevel – $138 million
4) Overhaul of 11 Push Pulls cars Contract to Rotem – $6.28 million
It has also been reported that CRRC is set to begin production on the Multilevel train cars starting this summer or fall. https://www.masslive.com/news/2021/06/crrc-factory-in-springfield-welcome-first-los-angeles-subway-cars.html
Push Pull Assignments
Here are the current Push Pull Assignments
8-7-1982 – Blast from the Past – 1000 Neoplan Bus order in PA.
Been doing some research recently regarding what is next for the site – One goal is an more expanded history section. While researching around, I have found an article pertaining to the original 1000 Neoplan bus order in Pennsylvania. Here is the article. .
To sum it up, back in 1982 Pennsylvania or PennDot placed an order for 1000 Neoplan buses which came in various sizes. Each bus costed at $157K ($416K CPI – 2020) a piece on average depending on the length and features.
Here is an break down of the article:
SEPTA taken on 450 buses from this order; PAT has taken on 410. Amtran received 5, BARTA received 5, CAT received 5, CATA received 12, CCTA received 10, COLT 4, EMTA (Erie) received 30; LANTA received 20, Wilkes Barre received 17, New Castle received 12, RRTA in Lancaster received 5, Williamsport received 2, Westmoreland received 8, York received 2.
Over the next few weeks, there will be a more detailed break out as to the sizes and the final break out of the delivery.
Affect of SEPTA service during the Covid19 Pandemic
Here is an chart which basically shows the number of unique blocks per day since December as logged from transitview. As you can see this is how service drop off throughout the months. Each block represents an unique vehicle assigned to a route.
For more information on blocks – http://www.philadelphiatransitvehicles.info/blocks/
Data Visualization of Destinations signs
Ever wonder when buses would use these short term designation signs and what time of the day? Here is an snapshot of the which shows what designations signs were used and when during the time of the day. This is for the Schedule of 2/2020 on a Weekday – the last full weekday schedule issued before the Covid-19 Pandemic.
http://www.philadelphiatransitvehicles.info/dest-march3rd2020.html
Want an old Neoplan artic?
Want an old Neoplan artic? Well now is your time – CAT has put three of their Neoplans up for sale. These three buses were formally operated by SEPTA but were sold to CAT several years ago. One bus #2001 was the only one used in revenue service on the Hershey Park line. The auction has #2001 listed in “fair” condition”
PCCIIs being end of life?
There are rumors going around that the last day for the PCCII which would operate in Service is on January 25th 2020. This is due to variety of reasons but one of the main two reasons I-95 construction along Girard Avenue and also many of the PCC2s has mechanical issues. We will update as soon as more information becomes available but in the meantime get your last rides in. The PCCII trolleys operate on SEPTA’s route 15.
Fourth batch of the Xcelisor order is arriving
Fourth batch of the Xcelisor order is now arriving on the property. 3295 has arrived at Germantown and slated to head to Midvale. Get your last rides in on the 2003 New Flyers. Southern, and Callowhill are likely to receive these as well as these will replace the 2003 and some of the 2004 New Flyers.
SEPTA Silverliner II and III on the move from Nicetown to Frazer
On Tuesday October 1st 2019 , an extra train which is made up of an AECS-64 (Locomotive), Push Push car and the last remaining Silverliner II and III cars on the property were moved to Frazer yard. The rational is that they needed space at Wayne Electric yard. These two cars (Silverliner II and III) hasn’t turn an wheel since these were retired back in 2012. It was nice seeing these in action again even if it was only an simple move to another yard.