Passenger Trains > SEPTA Silverliner VI RFP.

SEPTA has published the RFP for Silverliner VI. Submissions are due April 10th, 2026. They are looking to purchase 234 cars in married pairs with options for an additional 92 cars. The cars can be Steel or Aluminum.

Invitation to propose.
Instructions to propose.
Technical Specifications.
Contract.

Notably, their technical specifications document is a 1400+ page tome. Longer than the Amtrak BiLevel technical specification document.

I'm guessing the document is longer because the Amtrak BiLevels in essence are just a passenger car but the Silverliner has all the extra stuff on top of the passenger car stuff to make it an EMU - the engineer's cab and associated train controls; pantograph and associated electrical equipment; powered trucks; etc.  RFP due next year, delivery by 2030?  Or is it that too optimistic?

Nathan

Paniolo_man Wrote:
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> SEPTA has published the RFP for Silverliner VI.
> Submissions are due April 10th, 2026. They are
> looking to purchase 234 cars in married pairs with
> options for an additional 92 cars. The cars can be
> Steel or Aluminum.
>
> Invitation to propose.
> Instructions to propose.
> Technical Specifications.
> Contract.
>
> Notably, their technical specifications document
> is a 1400+ page tome. Longer than the Amtrak
> BiLevel technical specification document.

Why is this notable? One would expect the requirements for an EMU would be longer than for a passenger car.

If only they did this years ago rather than mess with a NJT-like MLV fleet to be built by CRRC. 

joemvcnj Wrote:
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> If only they did this years ago rather than mess
> with a NJT-like MLV fleet to be built by CRRC. 

Exactly!!! Overall, SEPTA has lagged behind in its overall equipmen renewal programs. 

joemvcnj Wrote:
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> If only they did this years ago rather than mess
> with a NJT-like MLV fleet to be built by CRRC. 

Remember SEPTA practically stole the SL-V fleet by taking advantage of Hyundai's goal to break into the US market (Denver RTD paid almost double for theirs). Milking CRRC the same way is a core part of SEPTA's playbook to get new equipment within its funding constraints. 

The real delay was with NJT's protracted procurement of its ML MU's (TLDR NJT wasn't making progress payments so Alstom stopped making progress) as SEPTA had made previous statements about evaluating the concept and getting in on that order . With ridersip down for the forseeable future and the faregates not eliminating conductors, SEPTA has decided to go with a single level design. If you all are going to put transit agencies on blast for making "short sighted" decisions, don't get mad when one takes its time.

joemvcnj Wrote:
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> If only they did this years ago rather than mess
> with a NJT-like MLV fleet to be built by CRRC. 

Surprisingly the CRCC cars being made for Chicago CTA don’t seem to be having many issues. At least none being reported. They’re in service and seem to being doing well except I’ve noted that they ride more poorly than the other cars. But other than that they’d pretty nice.

Posted from iPhone

jp1822 Wrote:
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> Exactly!!! Overall, SEPTA has lagged behind in its
> overall equipmen renewal programs. 

SEPTA has gotten full economic life out of most of its fleets, which have been exceptionally well made and durable and avoided useless frills.

Silverliner II's - 50 years
Silverliner IV's - 50 years and counting
Kawasaki B-IV's - 44 years and counting
Kawasaki Streetcars - 44 years and counting
Bombardier Coaches - 38 years and counting

Most disappointing recently is the Adtranz M-4's, which are being replaced after a mere 28 years in service.

abyler Wrote:
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> SEPTA has gotten full economic life out of most of
> its fleets, which have been exceptionally well
> made and durable and avoided useless frills.
>
> Silverliner II's - 50 years
> Silverliner IV's - 50 years and counting
> Kawasaki B-IV's - 44 years and counting
> Kawasaki Streetcars - 44 years and counting
> Bombardier Coaches - 38 years and counting

And the Silverliner ("Lateliner") 3 ?