SEPTA’s Stimulus Wishes

The Philadelphia Business Journal recently detailed the project SEPTA hopes to tackle with the federal stimulus “New Deal II” package that will either save the economy or end the United States as we know it. Maybe both!

Here’s what SEPTA’s looking to do with some of the $225-$250 million it could be receiving from the feds:

• Renovations of Girard and Spring Garden Broad Street El stops ($28 mil)
• Renovation of Croydon R7 stop in suburbs
• Track replacement at Fern Rock ($14 mil)
• Roof replacement at Woodland stop ($5 mil)

There’s already renovations at the Allens Lane costing $8 mil, so if we assume that’s what Croydon will cost there is still a ton of money possibly available. The bulletpointed list above is just of projects already in the pipeline; the PBJ notes SEPTA recently increased funding to several engineering firms.

One hopes if we do have this stimulus, SEPTA will suckle the government teat until it is completely dry. Maybe one day the Fairmount station won’t turn into a waterfall every time it rains. Or, you know, there will be working token machines at every stop. Aw, okay, that last one is a bit of a pipe dream.

Update: Other programs, via the U.S. Conference of Mayors: 40 hybrid buses (diesel/electric), new vehicle washers at Fern Rock, new ventilation systems at two bus garages.