The first new cars for the Market Frankford El will arrive in the spring of 2029, with the last added to the fleet in 2031, according to SEPTA officials.

The transit agency’s board voted July 25 to approve a $848 million contract for up to 240 new cars, writes Andrew Seidman for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

The new cars should put an end to mechanical breakdowns and service disruptions experienced with the current cars, which arrived in the late 1990s.

The cars “have reached the end of their useful life,” said Leslie S. Richards, SEPTA’s CEO and general manager. “Our riders deserve better, and this new fleet demonstrates SEPTA’s commitment to deliver a safe and clean system.”

The Market Frankford line needs about 96 functioning cars on the weekdays, so riders don’t spend extra time waiting for trains.

On average, about 85 cars are available, with the rest out due to inspections, repairs, and maintenance.

The new cars are being built by manufacturer Hitachi Rail STS USA Inc.

A major source of funding for the new cars will come from a $317 million federal grant awarded to SEPTA earlier this year under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 

Read more about SEPTA’s difficulties maintaining the current fleet of El cars in The Philadelphia Inquirer.