SEPTA regional rail returns to normal schedule after 3 months

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- The Philadelphia area's commuter rail service is resuming a normal schedule three months after a third of its coaches were sidelined due to suspension system defects.

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority has said more than 50 of the 120 cars sent to the repair shop will be available for service starting this week.

To return to a regular schedule on Monday, SEPTA will continue using cars it has leased from other agencies, including Amtrak and New Jersey Transit.

SEPTA had to repair its Silverliner V fleet due to cracks found in equalizer beams, which distribute the weight of vehicles to their axles.

The Delaware Valley Association of Rail Passengers and SEPTA are both encouraging riders to check schedules for unforeseen delays or changes Monday morning.

For more information on schedules, visit SEPTA's website.