U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy has announced a $220 million investment from Pennsylvania to address safety concerns with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA). This funding follows multiple directives from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) urging state leadership to rectify what has been described as gross mismanagement of SEPTA's rail operations, overseen by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).
Governor Josh Shapiro's announcement of the capital funds is seen as a response to these directives. "This substantial investment is a significant step in the right direction for a system that has been on the brink of collapse for too long," said Secretary Duffy. He emphasized the need for not only financial support but also a concrete plan to ensure safety standards are met for passengers and transit workers.
In October 2025, an Emergency Order from the Federal Railroad Administration required SEPTA to take immediate action following fires on its passenger rail cars. This led to $112 million being allocated for electrical upgrades and improvements to both Silverliner IV and V train cars.
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) also highlighted ongoing investigations into overhead catenary system failures, which resulted in injuries and service disruptions. Nearly $108 million will be used to address these issues, including trolley tunnel upgrades and enhancements at SEPTA’s Control Center.
The FTA issued Special Directives requiring SEPTA and PennDOT to address safety concerns related to SEPTA’s overhead catenary system. "For riders, this is about trust," said FTA Administrator Marc Molinaro, emphasizing the importance of maintaining safe and reliable trolley services.
These directives identified deficiencies in SEPTA's inspection processes and PennDOT's oversight capabilities, requiring both entities to implement corrective actions by April 2026.
Secretary Duffy had previously alerted Governor Shapiro about SEPTA’s management issues, citing onboard fires and oversight failures. The USDOT continues its efforts across various sectors, such as awarding nearly $20 million in grants through its Small Shipyard Grant Program to modernize shipyards and announcing winners of its Inclusive Design Challenge to enhance mobility options.
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