SEPTA eyes new locomotives, station renewal in $548.6 million capital budget

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) has slated $548.6 million in capital projects for fiscal-year 2017.

The capex plan calls for renewing critical infrastructure, replacing aging portions of SEPTA's fleet and expanding capacity to meet growing ridership, SEPTA officials said in a press release.

Specifically, the FY2017 budget includes $15.5 million toward acquiring new electric locomotives for SEPTA's Regional Rail lines, as well as $43.8 million to renew several stations.

In addition, the budget advances the agency's ongoing "Rebuilding for the Future" initiative. SEPTA kicked off that program following the November 2013 passage of Pennsylvania's Act 89, which provides capital funds for transportation improvements throughout the state.

The FY2017 budget reflects a $14 million increase compared with the prior fiscal year.