SEPTA Secures 24 Bombardier Railcars to Bolster Regional Rail Fleet

PHILADELPHIA, April 2026 — The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is actively working to expand its rolling stock to meet growing demand and mitigate existing fleet challenges. This initiative is crucial for maintaining and improving commuter rail services in the Philadelphia region.

SEPTA's board approved an $8.58 million bid for 24 single-level, Bombardier-built railcars originally manufactured in 1989. These cars were retired by Montreal's Exo in 2022 and will be relocated to Philadelphia for necessary upgrades.

This acquisition is intended to significantly bolster the SEPTA Regional Rail fleet, adding much-needed capacity. The railcars will undergo essential upgrades, particularly to their doors and other systems, before entering service, with a detailed timeline to be established.

The purchase is funded through $219.9 million in additional support secured by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro in November 2025. This follows SEPTA's prior efforts to secure additional rolling stock, including leasing 10 cars from Maryland's MARC.

This move reflects a broader industry trend where transit agencies are exploring various avenues, including the acquisition of pre-owned equipment, to efficiently expand and modernize their fleets amidst budget considerations and infrastructure demands.

Source: Trains