SEPTA Deploys Overnight Crews to Clean Tracks of Fallen Leaves

David C. Lester

PHILADELPHIA – SEPTA will deploy overnight crews to clean tracks until early December as a response to slippery rail season.

RT&S reported on another passenger commuter train agency’s solution to dealing with slippery rail caused by fallen leaves, and now SEPTA has also announced it is preparing for the slippery rail season. 

With rails becoming slippery due to a residue left by fallen leaves, travel speeds are reduced, particularly on inclines and declines, “and when vehicles approach station platform areas.” To combat this, SEPTA will deploy overnight crews to clean tracks until early December. Crews will use a combination of gel and water “to remove oily deposits from the tracks” and “use high-pressure washing equipment to blast away leaves and their residue.” Finally, to help with traction, sand is spread on the tracks.

SEPTA CEO and General Manager, Leslie S. Richards said: “Getting our riders to their destination without delays or inconvenience is important, but the safety of our customers and employees always takes precedence.”