marketwatch: PHILADELPHIA, Oct 28, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Thousands of Leaves Are Again the Transit Agency's Target This Fall
SEPTA has been working overnight on the railroad to help minimize service delays attributed to slippery rail conditions.
Crews are using three powerful high-pressure washers six nights a week to remove leaves and debris from the tracks. The leaves are a major cause of service delays at SEPTA in the fall and at transit systems worldwide.
Slippery rail conditions occur every autumn whenever a passing train or trolley presses decayed leaves on the tracks against the rails. The crushed leaves produce an oily residue and when mixed with damp weather combine to form a slippery coating. This often leads to reduced friction between the rail and train wheels; with less friction it takes longer distances to brake and accelerate trains.
SEPTA has equipped the high-pressure washers on three flatbed cars to combat delays. The washers travel along the SEPTA system and discharge water at 10,000 pounds per square inch to blast away debris and dead leaves.
As SEPTA continues to undertake nightly maintenance efforts to reduce delays to its Regional Rail, Norristown High Speed and trolley lines, passengers are advised to listen to radio and television reports for SEPTA updates or delays.
Passengers may also call the SEPTA Customer Service Department at (215) 580-7800 or visit SEPTA on the web at www.septa.org for service information.
SOURCE SEPTA
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