SEPTA’s Most Traveled, Yet Troublesome Line to Receive Major Overhaul

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Image of a train pulling into the Malvern train station on the Paoli/Thorndale Line via Jessica Griffin, Philadelphia Inquirer.

SEPTA’s Paoli/Thorndale Line will be undergoing a number of major changes, ranging from train car upgrades to scheduling improvements, writes Paul Jablow for Main Line Today.

The transportation authority is looking to overhaul its most traveled, yet troublesome regional rail line, while simultaneously bringing it into the 21st century.

The line carries more than 23,000 riders on weekdays, an increase of 25 percent since 1997. But it still works with aging equipment and infrastructure that constantly cause service delays.

Now, SEPTA general manager Jeff Knueppel is determined to dramatically improve the performance of the line.

“I’m not going to be satisfied until we get this line to 90 percent on-time performance,” he said.

This is defined as anything under six minutes late. For last year, that number was 84 percent.

Some of the improvements involve better scheduling. This will be achieved by revising the data provided by cellular modems that were installed on all trains in the last two years. SEPTA also plans to upgrade its fleet, including replacing the Silverliner IVs with more modern cars.

Amtrak, the owner of the line, also plans to improve performance and commuter facilities, but no timetables have yet been set.

Read more about the planned changes to the Paoli/Thorndale Line in Main Line Today here.

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