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Paoli/Thorndale Line Service Delays - 09/27/16A Message to Regional Rail Customers
Yesterday, at 4:57 p.m., Paoli/Thorndale Line Train #3547 called in with a report of smoke coming from the last car in the consist. Shortly after, the fire department arrived on the scene. At 5:21 p.m. the emergency responders on scene shut down all 4 Amtrak service tracks and SEPTA began reporting 1 hour service delays. A few minutes later, service on the Paoli/Thorndale Line was temporarily suspended. Shuttle buses were ordered for customers from Train #3547 but in the end no one was evacuated and the shuttle buses were not needed.
The SEPTA Control Center called for a rescue crew to be dispatched to remove the affected car and Amtrak Control Center gave direction that the train could continue in service once the damaged car was uncoupled from the rest of the consist.
Once able to resume travel, the Crew on Train #3547 reported power problems and at 6:06 p.m. customers were discharged from the train at Narberth Station. Ten minutes later, Train #1581 arrived and picked up the waiting riders. This train was scheduled to end at Bryn Mawr but service was extended to Malvern to assist in getting customers to their station destinations.
Service on the Paoli/Thorndale Line resumed at 6:04 p.m. but evening service was significantly impacted with approximately 25-30 Paoli and West Trenton Line trains, which experienced delays of 30-90 minutes as a result of this incident.
The past few months have been a very difficult time for Regional Rail customers. Last night's delays only added to the travel inconveniences people have been experiencing, but we are grateful that our customers and crew remained safe during this situation.
Later this week we will announce the next phase of the Silverliner V recovery program. In the meantime, we ask for your continued patience and thank you for riding SEPTA.
