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6/2/2023
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority last week reappointed Leslie Richards as general manager and CEO.
Richards received a new four-year contract that expires in January 2027, SEPTA officials said in a press release. She has served as GM and CEO since January 2020; before that, she was secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
Richards is credited with being the driving force behind SEPTA Forward, the transit authority's strategic plan, which includes major initiatives such as the trolley modernization and regional rail transformation programs. She also has led efforts to implement a more equitable fare structure, SEPTA officials said.
Meanwhile, SEPTA contracted Alstom to deliver 130 full low-floor Citadis electric streetcars with an option for 30 additional vehicles. The contract is valued at about $715 million, according to an Alstom press release.
Alstom will build vehicles at its plant in Hornell, New York. The advanced propulsion system will be built at Alstom's center for advanced propulsion technology research, development and engineering in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania.
The vehicles are expected to result in a 20% reduction in energy consumption. Each vehicle is 99% recyclable at the end of its 30-year lifespan, Alstom officials said.
SEPTA's seven trolley lines total 68 miles. The existing vehicles have been in service since the 1980s.