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    1. Rail

    SEPTA to reopen Somerset Station on April 5

    April 2, 2021
    The opening follows a two-week closure that addressed critical safety, security and infrastructure issues.
    Related To: Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)

    The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority’s (SEPTA) Somerset Station on the Market-Frankford Line will reopen April 5 following a two-week closure to address emergency safety, security and infrastructure concerns.

    “SEPTA looks forward to welcoming customers back to the Somerset Station,” said SEPTA General Manager Leslie S. Richards. “Closing a station is an action of last resort, however, it was necessary to ensure we could address these critical needs and provide a safe environment for customers and employees.”

    Emergency maintenance and repair work was needed throughout the station to mitigate damage from urination, human waste, discarded needles and other debris. Efforts have focused on reinforcing key structures, including those supporting stairs and passenger crossovers, along with installing enhanced lighting, new signage, painting and deep cleaning. Work to restore elevators is ongoing and will likely continue beyond the reopening.

    “By working around the clock, crews have made tremendous progress with maintenance and repairs,” Richards said. “We will reopen with a new security plan, and continue working with the City, community groups and other organizations on ways to connect members of the vulnerable population with the resources that they need.”

    SEPTA Transit Police officers will be assigned to Somerset Station throughout the service day, and there will be a new street-level police booth. The police officers will work closely with social outreach specialists who will be assigned to Somerset Station to connect those in need with substance use or behavioral health treatment and other services.

    “These are extremely complex societal issues that we are all grappling with,” said Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney. “The city is committed to working with SEPTA and our partners in the community to make meaningful changes along the Kensington Avenue Corridor.”

    SEPTA will replicate the model it created for Somerset at other stations where there are similar challenges. SEPTA has already dispatched inspectors to the Allegheny Station to assess repair and maintenance needs, and by next week, 60 security guards will be added on the Market-Frankford Line. These are the first steps in what will be a comprehensive plan focused on keeping SEPTA safe, clean and secure for customers and employees, while also working with our partners to address changing conditions and new challenges.