SEPTA Combats Winter Weather As Snow Moves Into The Region

December 5, 2007

PHILADELPHIA, PA - In preparation for the winter weather, SEPTA regularly performs a number of late-night preventive maintenance routines and performance checks on its vehicles and infrastructure to help insure the safety, comfort and reliability of the system and its riders.

SEPTA maintenance crews have stockpiled about 1,500 tons of salt along with calcium chloride, and have a fleet of snow blowers, plows and other equipment at the ready to remove ice and snow from station platforms and parking lots.

While SEPTA regularly tests and prepares its system for service each day added emphasis is placed on vehicle, equipment and station readiness. Crews perform regular checks on the catenary and signal structures, and store vehicles in garages and tunnels whenever it is deemed necessary, to heat and energize vehicles throughout the night.

SEPTA crews also remain vigilant and on standby, ready to reduce service problems related to the weather as temperatures drop.

In addition, SEPTA's bus fleet is installed with a system called pro-heat. This system works to keep engines warm during the night when they are not in operation.Heaters located along track bed switches throughout the regional rail system are also turned on overnight to prevent freezing.

As severe winter weather grips the area, passengers are reminded to allow extra time in their travel plans and exercise extreme caution when boarding and departing all SEPTA vehicles as floors and steps quickly become slippery.

Riders can call the SEPTA Travel Information Center at (215) 580-7800 or visit SEPTA online at www.septa.org for service updates.