Tip #8 - What Does It Take To Run SEPTA Regional Rail?
Part 2 – Maintenance and Facilities Personnel

Recently we introduced you to the Rail Transportation personnel responsible for train operations and customer service.  Now we want you to know about some people you’re less likely to see during the course of your commute.  These employees are responsible for overseeing and maintaining critically important infrastructure and facilities.

Signal Maintainers – Repair and maintain switches, signals, and railroad grade crossings.

Electric Traction – SEPTA trains are powered by electricity.  So it takes a team of Power Dispatchers and Substation Personnel to maintain our traction power substations; and Linemen to repair and maintain approximately 250 miles of high-voltage catenary wires.

Track Inspectors – Inspect, repair, and maintain all SEPTA-owned track.

Facilities Maintenance – Electricians, Carpenters, Plumbers, Painters, Welders, Masons, and HVAC Specialist maintain and complete repairs for more than 150 rail stations and yard facilities.  These crews of SEPTA forces are responsible for lighting, painting, heating and cooling equipment, elevator maintenance, station canopy and station building roof repairs and maintenance, platform repair and construction, and ticket office, waiting room, and plumbing repairs at stations.  They also attend to SEPTA parking lighting and lot maintenance including pothole repairs, signage, and line painting.    

Janitorial/Landscaping Contractors – Third party contractors clean the stations and maintain the plantings and grounds.  Divided into work crews, these individuals are responsible for sweeping of platforms, stairways, tunnels, parking lots and waiting rooms; cleaning windows and doors and wiping down surfaces including waiting area benches; emptying trash cans; cleaning and sanitizing public restrooms on a daily basis.  They also remove graffiti, perform station power washing, snow removal during major storms and greenery maintenance.

While you may never see these people because their work takes place during late night or very early morning hours, they are always watching out for you, ensuring that the system and stations are ready to serve you. 
 
Read Part 1 – Train Operations/Customer Service