Wrapping up Positive Train Control

In its “communication, signal systems and technology” category, SEPTA will spend $58.39 million in FY 2015. A large portion of that funding will go toward completing the installation of Positive Train Control (PTC) on the regional rail network. PTC is a federally mandated safety system intended to keep passenger trains from colliding and to provide other safeguards.

The total cost of bringing SEPTA up to PTC compliance is roughly $330 million, but SEPTA has already made most of that investment. The federally mandated compliance deadline is Dec. 31, 2015, and SEPTA is on track to meet that deadline. Once PTC is up and running, SEPTA will have that financial burden off its shoulders.

In FY 2016, SEPTA expects to spend just $17.54 million on communication, signal systems and technology projects.

Smartcard spending

SEPTA will continue to invest in its New Payment Technology system – the chip-based payment system that will allow customers to pay fares with cards or compatible cell phones. In FY 2015, SEPTA will spend $21.34 million on the program. That is slightly less than the $23.66 million SEPTA spent in FY 2014, and it is considerably less than SEPTA will spend in the coming years – a total of $182 million in FYs 2016, 2017 and 2018.

Suped up substations

With $61 million, SEPTA will overhaul the Lenni, Morton, Jenkintown, Amber, Lansdale and Bethrayres regional rail substations, the Wayne Junction Static Frequency Converter No. 4, and the Suburban Transit Clifton Substation. The funding will also support catenary replacement on the Media/Elwyn Line and on the Regional Rail Mainline between 30th Street Station and “K” Interlocking.

This FY 2015 investment is a significant step up from the $9.64 million SEPTA invested in substations and power improvements in FY 2014. Over the next 12 years, SEPTA is prepared to spend $389.09 million on substations and power improvements.

In-house restoration projects

Over the next 12 years, SEPTA will spend $35 million annually (a $426 million total) on its “infrastructure safety renewal program.” This program provides for transit and railroad infrastructure restoration to be carried out by SEPTA’s in-house forces. SEPTA’s in-house teams will work on improve a range of infrastructure including tracks and right-of-ways, signals and communications systems, maintenance and support facilities, station facilities and power systems.

Coordinating to reduce I-95 congestion

SEPTA will spend $35.8 million on a new I-95 congestion mitigation program. During the reconstruction of I-95, SEPTA will work with PennDOT to enhance capacity on the Trenton and West Trenton regional rail lines in hopes of reducing vehicles on the road.

In addition to the $35.8 million SEPTA will spend in FY 2015, SEPTA will spend $5.1 million in FY 2016. Federal Interstate Management Program funds will help support the efforts.

Public comments

SEPTA is accepting public comment on its FY 2015 capital budget until end-of-business on Friday, May 2. Comments may be submitted to capbudget@septa.org or to

SEPTA Capital Budget & Grant Development

Capital Budget & Program

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