Over two hundred and eighteen (218) railcars operate the Market-Frankford line. Built by ADtranz between 1996, and 1999. These are the first heavy railcars in SEPTA’s fleet to feature electronic designation signs. The delivery of these cars allowed for SEPTA to replace their fleet of Budd M3 cars built in 1960. Between 2003 and 2006, SEPTA undertook a mini-rehabilitation of the interiors of these cars which has deteriorated badly after only seven (7) years in revenue service.
During this rehab, SEPTA replaced the soft cushion seats with stainless steel and cloth ones (similar to the seats on the American Ikarus, Neoplan Articulated, and Allison New Flyer fleet). SEPTA also replaced carpet side panels with stainless steel ones. Car sets 1037-1038, and 1041-1042 had two different test seats installed. SEPTA have decided to go with the American Seating Innovator – 850 seats. Cars 1033-1034 have been converted to work cars, replacing the aging M3 set 759-760.
In July 2024, it was annouced that 200 cars has been ordered by SEPTA to be built by Hitiachi. These cars are expected to be here around 2029.
Here were the specs as presented during the procurement.
Here are the specs on the current M4 cars:
https://philadelphiatransitvehicles.info/septa-market-frankford-line-m4-specs/
Notes
The order of Adtrainz M4s were originally for 222 cars. The order consisted of 220 passenger and 2 work cars. However, it was decided that SEPTA wanted to keep five Budd cars for work service. While in service, SEPTA converted M4 cars #1033-1034 to operate as work trains. Consequently, this retired the remaining five Budd cars.
Out of all the retired cars used on the Market-Frankford line between 1907 and 1999 only 2 were preserved. Budd cars #606 and #618 are at the Pennsylvania trolley museum and the Seashore trolley museums, respectively.
Market Frankford Line Roster
| Year | Manufacturer | Model | Fleet |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Adtranz | M4 Single End | #1001-1004 |
| 1997-1999 | Adtranz | M4 Single End | #1005-1220 |
| 2029 | Hitachi | 200 cars |
Station Listing
| Station | Opening Date | Station level | Accessible | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frankford Transportation Center | 2003 | Elevated | Yes | Replaced Bridge-Pratt Terminal which opened in 1922 |
| Margaret-Orthodox | 1922 | Elevated | ||
| Church | 1922 | Elevated | Yes | |
| Erie Torresdale | 1922 | Elevated | Yes | |
| Tioga | 1922 | Elevated | Yes | |
| Allegheny | 1922 | Elevated | Yes | |
| Somerset | 1922 | Elevated | Yes | |
| Huntingdon | 1922 | Elevated | Yes | |
| York-Dauphin | 1922 | Elevated | Yes | |
| Berks | 1922 | Elevated | Yes | |
| Girard | 1922 | Elevated | Yes | |
| Spring Garden | 1977 | Elevated | Replaced Fairmount Station which opened in 1922 | |
| 2nd Street | 1908 | Subway | Yes | |
| 5th Street | 1908 | Subway | ||
| 8th Street | 1908 | Subway | Yes | |
| 11th Street | 1908 | Subway | ||
| 13th Street | 1908 | Subway | Yes | |
| 15th Street | 1907 | Subway | ||
| 30th Street | 1955 | Subway | Yes | Replace 32nd Street elevated station which opened in 1907 |
| 34th Street | 1955 | Subway | Replace 36th Street elevated station which opened in 1907 | |
| 40th Street | 1955 | Subway | Yes | Replace original Elevated station which opened in 1907 |
| 46th Street | 2008 | Elevated | Yes | Replace original station which opened in 1907 |
| 52nd Street | 2007 | Elevated | Yes | Replace original station which opened in 1907 |
| 56th Street | 2006 | Elevated | Yes | Replace original station which opened in 1907 |
| 60th Street | 2007 | Elevated | Yes | Replace original station which opened in 1907 |
| 63rd Street | 2009 | Elevated | Yes | Replace original station which opened in 1907 |
| Millbourne | 2008 | At Grade | Yes | Replace original station which opened in 1907 |
| 69th St Terminal | 1907 | At Grade | Yes |