Philadelphia-area transit woes projected through Labor Day

Philadelphia’s main transit agency doesn’t see a quick fix for its regional rail issues, projecting that a majority of the fleet it has sidelined because of structural issues will remain down until at least Labor Day.

In April, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission fined Uber $11.4 million for doing business in the city without authority.

While this agreement between Uber and Philadelphia is only temporary, Pennsylvania lawmakers are considering legislation that would legalize ride-sharing in the state. It could be called to a vote after summer recess.

120 Silverliner Vs, one third of SEPTA’s Regional Rail fleet acquired between 2010 and 2013, were pulled when a defect in the Hyundai Rotem trains’ equalizer beams was identified on Friday morning.

Furthermore, “customers should expect crowded conditions… and once capacity is reached on-board, trains will not be able to make stops to pick up additional riders, particularly close to Center City”.

Use of Uber Pool, the company’s carpooling service, has increased 26 percent this week compared to last week, according to the Inquirer.

The agreement announced Thursday with Uber was prompted by a major disruption in regional rail service.

Uber had already been offering a 40 percent discount to commuters who used their app from select SEPTA stations around the region. When the PPA offered a detente Tuesday, the company took it, the two parties said.

Philadelphians can rejoice: Uber will resume operations on July 25 and last at least until September 30, thanks to the Democratic National Convention.

Details regarding restricted SEPTA service during this time are available on the agency’s website.