PHILADELPHIA — The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority has removed some of its electric multiple-unit railcars from service for inspections related to two fires earlier this year, leading to delays and cancellations of some Regional Rail service.
In an Aug. 14 press release, SEPTA said it has been cancelling some trips because “out of an abundance of caution,” it is “temporarily removing any train cars experiencing certain mechanical issues.” The agency says it has been coordinating with the Federal Railroad Administration and National Transportation Safety Board “to develop and implement enhanced safety and inspection procedures” in the wake of a July 22 fire involving a train that injured a SEPTA employee and a firefighter [see “Crew member, firefighter hurt …,” Trains.com, July 23, 2025]. Another fire in February led to no injuries, but about 350 passengers had to be evaculated [see “Fire engulfs SEPTA railcar …,” Trains.com, Feb. 6, 2025].
The cause of the fires remains unknown…