115472 | Projects of Significance (SEPTA)

SEPTA and its regional partners continue to advance key Projects of Significance to build towards a shared lifestyle transit network vision for Southeastern Pennsylvania. These projects are instrumental to ensuring SEPTA is able to achieve the goals set forth in our strategic plan, SEPTA Forward. SEPTA’s Bus Revolution, Trolley Modernization, Reimagining Regional Rail, and Rail Vehicle Replacement projects are all critical links to ensuring SEPTA achieves its goal for a more resilient, prosperous and equitable region for everyone, with transit at the core.
Bus Revolution Capital Investments ($184.82M) include Transit Prioritization, End of Line facilities, Bus Stop Improvements, and Micro Transit service projects as follows:
-Transit Prioritization Projects $59.7M (Prior Years - FY 2036) Activities include transit priority planning, design, and construction along numerous corridors including: Olney Avenue, 19th/20th Streets, 7th/8th Streets, Chestnut/Walnut, West Market/JFK, North Philadelphia West, Erie Ave, & West Chester Pike.
-Bus End-of-Line Projects $92.32M (Prior Years - FY 2036) Activities include property acquisition, design, and construction of bus end-of-line facilities including the following projects: Wissahickon Transportation Center, South Philadelphia Transportation Center, Knights Road, Neshaminy Blvd.
-Micro Transit Service $6.11M (Prior Years - FY 2026) Activities include acquisition of 25 ADA accessible vehicles, construction of a new fueling station at Frontier Depot, and implementation of a operations/scheduling platform.
Trolley Modernization $1.983B (Prior Years – FY 2036)
SEPTA is allocating $1.983B for the Trolley Modernization program to help deliver our vision of easy to use, frequent, and integrated transit. These capital funds enable SEPTA to advance the acquisition of 130 new ADA accessible street cars to replace the Authority’s aging fleet and upgrade trolley network infrastructure to improve accessibility, capacity, reliability, and safety.
SEPTA’s Trolley system is the largest in North America and serves tens of thousands of transit-dependent riders in Philadelphia and Delaware counties every day. The current vehicles are over 40 years old and were acquired prior to the passage of ADA –meaning people with disabilities, seniors, and anyone with mobility issues or using a stroller cannot take full advantage of the connections they provide. Trolley Modernization opens the doors to these communities with new, low-floor vehicles and improved track infrastructure that will make the system fully ADA accessible.
This program advances equity by improving trolley access and service that disproportionately serves people of color, low-income populations, and individuals with disabilities. SEPTA’s Trolley Modernization Project will catalyze over 38,000 permanent jobs and create an increase of $5.8 billion in property values across the region.
Specific activities include the following:
Acquisition of 130 new, 84-foot ADA accessible trolley vehicles. (Contract awarded)
Property acquisition, design, and construction of a new Trolley Heavy Maintenance Facility in Southwest Philadelphia. (Property acquired and facility design is underway)
ADA Accessibility and State of Good Repair Improvements at 19th, 22nd, 33rd, 36th and 37th Street Trolley Stations.
Trolley Tunnel State of Good Repair Program, including the overhaul of the 40th Street Substation and Center City tunnel improvements.
Design of modern stations and identification of new station locations with public input and community engagement.
Study and advancement of end-of-line improvements and extensions.
Coordination with utilities, the City of Philadelphia, and Delaware County.
Design and construction for Bridge, Communication & Signals, Power, and Track system upgrades.
For further project information, please visit www.septa.org/trolley-modernization.
Rail Vehicle Replacements
Market-Frankford Line Vehicle Replacement & Infrastructure- $1.165B (Prior Years – FY 2034)
In February 2024, SEPTA was awarded $317 million by the Federal Transit Administration to support the replacement of Market-Frankford Line (MFL) M-4 rail cars. The project is currently in the procurement phase and SEPTA plans to award a contract for manufacturing the vehicles in calendar year 2024. Included within the project’s budget are vehicle specification development, vehicle production costs, signal system design and construction, and facility improvements, such as at 69th St. and Bridge St. Yard.
Broad Street Line Vehicle Replacement & Infrastructure- $700M (FY 2026 – FY 2036)
This project includes the purchase of modern trainsets to replace the aging Broad Street Line (BSL) rail cars. Included within the project’s budget is vehicle specification development, and infrastructure improvements needed to enhance operational efficiency of the new railcars.
Regional Rail Cars Silverliner IV Replacement - $728.06M (Prior Years – FY 2036)
The Silverliner IV railcar fleet was manufactured between 1974 and 1976 and is approaching 50 years of service. Funding programmed will provide for vehicle design specifications, property acquisition, infrastructure improvements, and a partial fleet replacement that supports the implementation of the Reimagining Regional Rail Master Plan.
Regional Rail Master Plan
This program of projects will progress concepts and alternatives evaluated through the Regional Rail Master Plan effort, including more detailed alternative analysis and concept design. Work will include study, planning, property acquisition, design, and construction activities for multiple projects including:
Airport Corridor Improvements $24.56M (FY 2025 - FY 2036)
The project includes design & construction of new track segments along the Airport Line to separate SEPTA regional rail services from freight rail operations. Separating from freight operations creates the opportunity for increased frequency to and from the Philadelphia International Airport. As part of the project, the Eastwick Regional Rail station will be reconstructed and made fully ADA accessible.
Norristown Corridor Improvements $25.08M (FY 2025 - FY 2036)
The project includes design & construction of new track segments along the Manayunk/Norristown Line to separate SEPTA regional rail services from freight rail operations. Separating from freight operations creates the opportunity for increased frequency on the Manayunk/Norristown with through-running service to the Philadelphia International Airport. As part of the project, the Norristown Regional Rail stations will be reconstructed and made fully ADA accessible.
North Philadelphia Infrastructure $6.96M (FY 2025 - FY 2027)
The project includes design & construction of new track segments in North Philadelphia.
Coatesville Service Restoration $7M (Prior Years - FY 2028)
The Coatesville Service Restoration project will restore rail service on the Paoli/Thorndale Regional Rail Line from its existing terminus at Thorndale, Chester County, to a new terminus in Coatesville, Chester County. Regional Rail service beyond Thorndale was discontinued in 1996. PennDOT is reconstructing the Coatesville Station with completion expected in late 2025. The new station will be ADA accessible and include improved lighting, overhead canopies, elevators, and a passenger connection for crossing the tracks. Amtrak Keystone Line trains will serve the station.
For SEPTA to restore Regional Rail service, additional track and signal infrastructure improvements are needed along the line. SEPTA, in coordination with PennDOT, Amtrak, & Chester County, will facilitate the design of track and signal infrastructure improvements that are necessary to operate an efficient service to Coatesville Station. While designing the infrastructure upgrades, SEPTA will coordinate with its partners to schedule implementation and secure funding for construction and operations.
Mainline-Schuylkill Bridges & Interlockings $400M (Prior Years - FY 2035)
When the Center City Commuter Connection Tunnel was built in the early 1980s to connect the Pennsylvania and Reading Railroads, it created the only fully electrified, through-running railroad in North America and the heart of SEPTA’s Regional Rail network.
With all Regional Rail lines culminating in this stretch of track, the underlying infrastructure plays a crucial role in SEPTA’s ability to provide reliable and frequent service. While the connection between Suburban Station and Jefferson Station consists of modern infrastructure, the seven bridges between Suburban Station and 30th Street Station were originally built in 1929 and require significant rehabilitation: MP 0.49 (21st Street); MP 0.58 (22nd Street); MPs 0.61, 0.64 and 0.68 (22nd Street/23rd Street); MP 0.72 (CSX Tracks); and MP 0.76 (Schuylkill River).
SEPTA will rehabilitate these bridges, while phasing the work to keep service running. Additionally, while reconstructing the bridges, SEPTA will replace the interlockings, and right of way infrastructure.
Bus Network Enhancements: Bus Stop Improvements $24.30M (FY 2025 – FY 2036) – This project includes real time information using e-paper readers at the bus stop and also bus stop improvements like shelters, sidewalks, signage, benches, and various customer amenities to improve safety and comfort for riders.

No milestones are available for this project.