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Commuters face crowded, full trains after structural problem

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The transit agency serving Philadelphia and its suburbs is warning regional rail commuters to expect crowded trains or even full trains that pass them by with a third of its regional rail cars sidelined by a structural problem. Tuesday is the first business day since the problem was discovered Friday night. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority is bolstering bus and trolley service and urging people to think about other options, especially getting to subway lines if they are close to the city. SEPTA took all 120 Silverliner V cars out of service after finding a fractured beam on one car and fatigue cracks on almost all other cars. Trains will be running on a Saturday schedule until further notice with additional rush-hour service. But with 13,000 fewer regional rail seats service will be reduced by 30 percent to 50 percent.