Philadelphia SEPTA Tackles Rail Safety — Progress Ahead
NTSB issues urgent safety recommendation after electrical arcing ignited hydraulic fluid
SEPTA Faces Fire Risk in Silverliner V Railcars
SEPTA's Silverliner V railcars pose fire risks to riders and crew, federal safety investigators warned. Jennifer Homendy, NTSB Chair, said December 19 the agency issued an urgent safety recommendation following investigation of a September 2022 fire. The technical issue involves electrical arcing in high-voltage equipment compartments that can ignite hydraulic fluid. SEPTA operates 120 Silverliner V railcars purchased between 2010 and 2013.
Investigation Reveals Serious Safety Hazard
The NTSB's investigation stemmed from a September 13, 2022 fire on a Silverliner V railcar traveling from Center City to Chestnut Hill East. Investigators found that electrical arcing in the railcar's high-voltage equipment compartment ignited flammable hydraulic fluid, creating a fire hazard. "Passengers and crew should not be exposed to the risk of fire," Homendy told reporters. "SEPTA needs to take immediate action to address this serious safety issue." The Silverliner V fleet has a history of safety problems—SEPTA removed the entire fleet from service in 2016 due to structural cracks discovered in equalizer beams.
SEPTA Reviews Recommendation Details
Andrew Busch, SEPTA's Press Secretary and Director of Public Affairs, said the agency is reviewing the NTSB's recommendation. "SEPTA is reviewing the NTSB's recommendation and will respond accordingly," Busch said. The agency hasn't specified how many individual railcars may require immediate attention or removal from service. Officials didn't provide details about potential modifications or repairs needed to eliminate the fire hazard. Cost estimates for addressing the safety concerns haven't been made public.
Timeline for Action Remains Unclear
SEPTA hasn't announced a specific timeline for addressing the NTSB's recommendation. While NTSB urgent safety recommendations aren't legally binding, they carry significant weight and agencies typically respond promptly. The agency hasn't announced specific service impacts or schedule changes that might result from the safety directive. Officials didn't say when they'll release additional details about their implementation plan.
Riders Await Service Impact Information
The Silverliner V fleet serves SEPTA's regional rail network throughout the five-county Philadelphia metropolitan area. Officials haven't projected how many riders might be affected if railcars are removed from service for safety modifications. The agency hasn't announced whether alternative transportation arrangements will be necessary. Moovit provides real-time updates for SEPTA regional rail routes as the agency responds to the federal safety recommendation.
