SEPTA riders deal with delayed, overcrowded trains amid safety inspections following NTSB report
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- SEPTA riders are dealing with delayed and overcrowded trains as the transit agency has pulled more than 150 cars off the track in order to comply with federal safety regulations.
This comes after the NTSB recommended last week that SEPTA pulls its Silverliner IV fleet over fire risk concerns.
READ MORE | NTSB issues urgent safety warning to SEPTA over fire risks involving Silverliner IV railcars
The Federal Railroad Agency, or FRA, which has oversight, deemed the cars could continue to run if they meet strict safety standards.
On Monday, SEPTA had to cancel 55 regional rail trains. Tuesday morning's commute had 12 cancellations.
It's lead to headaches for riders like Kinya Kirby.
"The one that did pass us was only two cars, it was too full so it couldn't take us," she said.
She says she waited over an hour on Monday for her ride to work before giving up.
"It never came. I had to leave," she said.
RELATED: How SEPTA's track inspectors keep the rail system moving
SEPTA says everyone should expect delays on regional rail as it works to comply with strict emergency repair and inspection orders for the Silverliner IV fleet, which makes up about two-thirds of the cars on Regional Rail.
The fire concerns are worrying some riders.
"You never know what's going to happen. You see rails, you see things blow up and you think this could be me and I might not be able to get out on time," said Starr Davis.
There have been five fires on Regional Rail trains since a February fire in Ridley Park, where more than 300 people were on board when the train caught fire.
It lead to the NTSB investigation into the Silverliner IV cars, which are more than 50 years old.
SEPTA says they're past due to be replaced, but claims they don't have to money to do so.
"That's really irritating because a lot of people are trying to get to work at a certain time," said May Truong.
Tuesday, 156 out of 225 Silverliner IV cars were in the shop being repaired and inspected.
For commuters, that's meant shorter trains, sometimes having only two or four cars instead of six, and more crowded cabins.
"The trains are really crowded, sometimes people are standing in the middle of the aisles and sometimes it's hard to find seating and it does get crazy at times," said Sahira Wimberly.
SEPTA says commuters can expect delays and cancellations for at least the next week.
Riders are advised to check the SEPTA app or septa.org for the latest travel updates.
