FRA Emergency Order No. 34 requires SEPTA to take 15 specific actions including operator and mechanical personnel training, installation of new thermal detectors, daily maintenance quality control inspections and a comprehensive, point-to-point inspection of every Silverliner IV railcar following an aggressive FRA-approved schedule. SEPTA is committed to fully complying with the FRA Emergency Order, and we are confident that full compliance will also achieve the goal of the NTSB report recommendations.
In response to the FRA’s Emergency Order and NTSB report, SEPTA has added the following additional measures:
- In-person inspectors are now present on all trains passing through Center City stations to conduct safety checks and respond quickly to any equipment issues
- Mid-run inspections have been added to review fault indicator lights and other critical systems while trains are in operation, supplementing existing pre- and post-run inspections
- Live video monitoring allows SEPTA’s Control Center supervisors to view train interiors in real time to check indicator lights and system alerts, ensuring quicker response to any potential issues
- Expanded maintenance staffing ensures that inspection and repair work can be completed more quickly and around the clock to meet the FRA’s deadlines
- Enhanced employee safety briefings and trainings are being conducted to ensure all operators, mechanics, and inspectors understand new reporting and inspection protocols
- Improved documentation and data sharing have been implemented so that all inspection results, repairs, and follow-up actions are logged, tracked, and reported directly to FRA for review
- Public communication measures are in place to keep riders informed about safety progress, expected service adjustments, and ongoing compliance updates.
Together, these actions strengthen SEPTA’s safety culture, modernize oversight of the Silverliner IV fleet, and ensure that every possible precaution is taken to protect riders, employees, and the region’s rail system.
–via Press Release
