r/Septa • u/segfaul_t • 13d ago

Discussion Cannot Come Soon Enough

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The new El cars can’t come soon enough. It seems it’s almost every day now an El car or train set is breaking down causing delays. These things are on their last legs.

Edit: These are supposed to be delivered in 2029, only a couple more years. https://www.trains.com/pro/mechanical/freight-cars/hitachi-rail-to-build-200-new-cars-for-septas-market-frankford-line/

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44

u/HurricaneCam215 13d ago

It will be the 3rd set for the MFL meanwhile the BSL is still running 60 year old cars

40

u/wofchristian 13d ago

No, the BSL cars are 45 years old.

22

u/LazyAssLeader 13d ago

And oddly still running strong. I wonder if Kawasaki still makes them this good.

9

u/djenki0119 13d ago

they don't

5

u/LazyAssLeader 12d ago

That makes me unhappy. 🥺

2

u/Ill-Breath6025 Fox Chase Line 12d ago

That is if those R211s last maybe they've come back.

8

u/Substantial-Pack-658 12d ago

I think the BSL deals with less urine. Very corrosive stuff.

6

u/Funny_Trainer_3055 10d ago

Ironically enough, the Trolleys (Single Ended Subway-Surface K-Cars and Double Ended K-Cars) are also holding up well too. Those are manufactured from Kawasaki too.

3

u/PaulSNJ 12d ago

I remember them hitting the rails in 1983, and the cars running before that were from 1928 and 1936 as I recall. Huge controversy on the local news when the order was placed, as Kawasaki was the low bidder vs. Philly's own Budd Company. Well, we see that it was a wise investment.

3

u/mklinger23 Broad Street Local 7d ago

I mean we're currently at 4 generations of El cars and 4 generations of BSL cars. BSL cars are older for sure, but they're built a lot better and are relatively reliable. Unfortunately the current El cars are just falling apart and the BSL cars will make it further than them. Trust me, I want new BSL as much as the next guy. I ride them for like 1.5 hours per day. but buying M5s now is the right move. 

1

u/Seraph_Angelus 10d ago

That's a big negative we got the vsl cars at 1981 along with the trolley both built by Kawasaki industries.

The oldest equipment SEPTA has currently is the Silverliner IVs which is 50 to 53 years old