PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — As the battle rages in Harrisburg over SEPTA, Regional Rail riders say they have encountered hundreds of delayed and canceled trains.
Tuesday, riders and lawmakers are demanding action at a rally in Love Park.
Regional Rail riders are both frustrated with delays and concerned about their safety, and are now demanding funding in the state budget for SEPTA.
RELATED: SEPTA riders deal with delayed, overcrowded trains amid safety inspections following NTSB report
“It’s more than just unacceptable, it’s unimaginable,” said SEPTA rider, Queen Lee.
After a string of fires this year, SEPTA safety inspectors have pulled Regional Rail train cars — at times causing great delays, even leaving riders stranded.
The transit agency must comply with an emergency order issued by the Federal Railroad Administration to inspect each of its 225 rail cars on its Silverliner IV fleet.
RELATED: A look inside SEPTA Silverliner IV inspections following NTSB report
Now, riders, community activists and elected officials are calling for renewed funding for SEPTA. The transit agency is relying on $394 million, which was set aside for capital improvements to fund its operations.
“They’re telling SEPTA to update fleet, how can we do that if we’re robbing Peter to pay Paul?” said another rally goer.
SEPTA says it is working to both meet federal regulations, as well as speed up its fleet inspection. They are asked to complete the safety checks within 30 days to meet NTSB requirements.
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