June 9, 2026 RTC Action Item
Date Prepared: 06/01/20265c. Substations and Power Improvements Program (MPMS #60651), SEPTA
Background/Analysis/Issues
SEPTA has requested that DVRPC amend the FFY 2025 TIP for Pennsylvania by decreasing the FFY26 ERC Phase of the Substations and Power Improvements Program (MPMS #60651) by $8,360,000 Section 5337 from $40,048,000 Section 5337 to $31,688,000 Section 5337.
The proposed decrease in funding to this program would help SEPTA align its total Section 5337 funding to its actual FFY 2026 Federal Transit Administration (FTA) apportionments.
The substations and power improvement projects will replace existing equipment with modern indoor switchgear and state-of-the-art industry safety systems, as well as communications and relay protection systems, to provide additional power and reliability. Work includes replacing transformers, trolley breakers, feeder switches, substation switchgears, and protective relaying. Power infrastructure must also be brought to a state of good repair. This includes replacing catenary systems and upgrading 80+ year-old Regional Rail infrastructure. Additional power improvements will be undertaken as part of the Infrastructure Safety Renewal Program (ISRP) (MPMS #90497).
Financial Constraint
Financial constraint will be maintained by adjusting other existing TIP projects whose schedules or costs have changed. The attached fiscal constraint chart provided by SEPTA shows all of the adjustments taking place in accordance with the TIP Memorandum of Understanding. All projects listed contribute to fiscal constraint.
Conformity Finding
The TIP's current conformity finding will not be impacted by this amendment as these projects are exempt from air quality analysis and not regionally significant.
Cost and Source of Funds
$8,360,000 Section 5337 decrease
Recommendations
Regional Technical Committee (RTC): Will make a recommendation at the June 9, 2026, RTC Meeting.
DVRPC Staff: Recommends Approval.
Action Proposed
The Regional Technical Committee recommends the DVRPC Board approve TIP Action PA25-095, SEPTA’s request that DVRPC amend the FFY 2025 TIP for Pennsylvania by decreasing the FFY26 ERC Phase of the Substations and Power Improvements Program (MPMS #60651) by $8,360,000 Section 5337 from $40,048,000 Section 5337 to $31,688,000 Section 5337.