Heat Delaying SEPTA Rail, Trolley Lines

PHILADELPHIA — SEPTA riders are seeing some slight delays amid intense heat in the Philadelphia region, and some delays are intentional.

A SEPTA spokesman Andrew Busch told Patch that speeds on all rail services are lowered due to heat. Speeds are reduced by 5 to 10 miles per hour.

This affects Regional Rail lines, the Broad Street and Market-Frankford lines, and trolley lines.

According to Busch, this is to lessen stress on SEPTA's infrastructure.

"These temperatures can potentially warp tracks," he said. "The faster you move, the more stress is applied to the tracks. This can create more potential issues."

SEPTA will implement these lower speeds when temperatures exceed 90 degrees.

Derailment is not a concern with heat-affects tracks, but rather officials are aiming to stem any potential large-scale issues that would severely disrupt services. Overhead wires that serve trolley lines can sag more in the heat. And with fast-moving vehicles below sagging wires, the chance of bringing the wires down increases, he said.

"These delays will push some things back, but is a controlled way of doing it," he said. "The last thing we want is wires down, power out, and trains stranded on a line without air conditioning."

SEPTA crews are positioned strategically around the system during the heatwave, as well. Busch said this is to provide rapid response to any potential service issues. These crews can make quick repairs to get service restored or help riders get to another vehicle.

Crews are also routinely inspecting tracks throughout the heatwave to proactively address possible problems.

"Our general advice is, as much as possible, plan ahead, look at the schedule, and check real time updates on the website and app to keep from having to wait longer than needed out in the elements," Busch said. "Make sure you stay hydrated, bring water, and allow extra time."

So far, SEPTA has not seen any shut-downs due to the heat.