SEPTA receives $13.3 million to replace fire-prone train cars

The transit agency said it could be seven years before the replacement train cars come to Philadelphia.

1 minute read

September 3, 2026, 8:00 AM PDT

By Zachary Whalen


A SEPTA Silverline IV train drives towards the camera.

SEPTA estimates the 234 new train cars will cost $2 billion. | Krtz07

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority has received a $13.3 million federal grant to help fund replacements for 223 Silverline IV train cars, which SEPTA pulled from service after the fleet caught fire five times in 2025. U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle announced the grant on Sept. 1, which SEPTA will put towards funding 234 new cars.

“SEPTA officials are reviewing bids from companies interested in building the new model, to be called the Silverliner VI, at an estimated cost of $2 billion,” Thomas Fitzgerald writes for the Philadelphia Inquirer.

The transit agency said it could be seven years before Philadelphia sees the replacement cars, as the agency needs to secure the remainder of the funding and the chosen company will have to build the new cars to SEPTA’s specifications. In the meantime, SEPTA is borrowing 10 train cars from the Maryland Area Regional Commuter Rail.

Wednesday, September 2, 2026 in Philadelphia Inquirer

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