U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy joined General Manager Scott Sauer and Regional Rail leadership at a press conference at the Overbrook Maintenance Shop on Thursday, September 3 to announce a $13 million federal grant awarded to SEPTA toward the purchase of new Silverliner VI railcars.

Secretary Duffy recognized the hard work SEPTA staff has done to keep the Regional Rail fleet running following last year’s Federal Railroad Administration order to sideline and repair Silverliner IV cars.

“The men and women who run this line and keep the equipment operational… they are terrific… they are the ones who keep our trains safe and operating every day,” Duffy said following a tour of the facility. GM Scott Sauer additionally praised employees for working around the clock to ensure the FRA order was met.

FTA’s Rail Vehicle Replacement Grants aim to replace aging railcars, improve reliability, safety, and convenience on the nation’s rail transit systems.

The secretary also complimented the Authority’s efforts combatting crime and fare evasion which have resulted in steady declines for each including a 21% drop in serious crimes in Q2 2026 according to SEPTA Transit Police.

-via Press Release