SEPTA pulls Market-Frankford Line trains after cracks found; delays expected
Monday’s commute will suck.

SEPTA's Market-Frankford Line
Screenshot via YouTubeSEPTA found cracks on two train cars on its Market-Frankford Line after first spotting one in a structural support beam during routine maintenance this weekend, the transit authority said Sunday — so they’re pulling a third of their cars as a precaution.
“We will be 30-40 cars short of the 144 needed to run regular, weekday peak hour service levels,” per a notice on SEPTA’s website.
This means the Monday morning commute will be rough, with SEPTA already warning commuters of packed platforms. The morning trains will be supplemented with shuttle buses– for those traveling from 69th Street, these will start at the 52nd Street Station and continue through 15th Street. For those heading in from Frankford in the morning, the shuttle buses will begin at Girard Station and stop at 15th Street.
There’s a plan for afternoon shuttles as well.
The problem follows a rough summer for SEPTA, as cracks were found during routine maintenance of the Regional Rail service, a different type of train — and those cracks pulled about a third of that fleet, as well. That caused persistent overcrowding and delays through the summer months.

Welcome to Philadelphia, city of ‘implausible sounding things’

Mail ballot applications are open for the May primary — and yes, ‘permanent’ mail voters have to re-apply

My COVID vaccine: After a year of anxiety, what’s a night of freezing cold?

Inside Philly’s 40-year war on homeless encampments

From ‘Land-Based Jawns’ to ‘Freedom Greens,’ these entrepreneurs use food to help Philly heal

In three new ‘First 100 Days’ posters, Philly artists lay out policies for Biden and Harris

The $1 million sinkhole on the Schuylkill River Trail is finally getting fixed

Why aren’t there any Black-owned supermarkets in Philly? These grocers are helping blaze a trail

The five-year saga of Carson Wentz and the Eagles (as told in Carson Wentz GIFs)

The ‘Anti Flower Show Movement’ and the black and white photo sticker all over Philly streets

Neighbors avoid Olney transit hub after mass shooting: ‘I wouldn’t catch it there’

Philly’s only lesbian bar is shutting down, adding to a somber nationwide trend

Politics power move: Cherelle Parker, expected candidate for Philly mayor, elected DRPA chair

Tracking COVID-19 vaccine in Philly and PA: These charts show the pace of inoculation

Mutual aid is booming in Philly. Here’s how you can help.

Where the COVID vaccine is being distributed in Philly, mapped

North Philly neighbors finally get patrols on violent corner known for shootings

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a poem that speaks to the Philadelphia paradox

Trump impeachment lawyer from Philly mispronounces ‘Philadelphia’
