SEPTA Addresses 'Slippery Rail Season' with Enhanced Maintenance and Rider Safety Measures
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is implementing an aggressive maintenance program to combat 'Slippery Rail Season,' a condition caused by crushed falling leaves depositing a residue on tracks. This residue reduces friction for train wheels, leading to reduced travel speeds to maintain safe operations, particularly on inclines, declines, and near station platforms. SEPTA's maintenance strategy involves running three wash trains nightly to pressure wash the rails, blasting away leaves and leaf residue, and applying a traction adhesion gel. This program, which typically runs from late October through mid-December, aims to mitigate service delays. Despite these efforts, riders may still experience intermittent delays. SEPTA advises passengers to allow extra travel time, stay alert for potential sliding past stations, and check septa.org/alerts or the SEPTA app for real-time service updates and platform announcements.
