ADtranz M-4
| ADtranz M-4 | |
|---|---|
| In service | 1997–present |
| Manufacturer | ADTranz |
| Assembly | Elmira, New York |
| Replaced | Budd M-3 |
| Constructed | 1996–1999 |
| Number built | 220 |
| Number in service | 220 |
| Fleet numbers | 1001-1220 |
| Operator(s) | SEPTA |
| Line(s) served | Market–Frankford Line |
| Specifications | |
| Car body construction | Stainless steel with alloy steel end-underframe |
| Train length | 55 ft 2.0 in (16,815 mm) |
| Width | 9 feet 2 inches |
| Height | 13 ft (3,962 mm) |
| Weight | "A" Car: 65,200 lb (29,574 kilograms) "B" Car: 60,500 lb (27,442 kilograms) |
| Acceleration | 3.0 MPH/S (5.4 Kmh/s) |
| Auxiliaries | Solid State inverter |
| Electric system(s) | 700 V DC Third rail |
| Current collection method | Contact shoe |
| Braking system(s) | Dynamic and regenerative braking, slip-slide control, electro-pneumatic friction brake, and automatic dynamic, friction brake blending |
| Track gauge | 5 ft 2 1⁄2 in (1,588 mm) Pennsylvania trolley gauge |
The M-4 is a series of SEPTA rapid transit cars built by ADtranz, consisting of an order of 220 cars. It is currently used on the Market–Frankford Line, and replaced the Budd Company's M-3 cars.
History
In the early 1990s, the Market–Frankford Line was in need of new rolling stock. The M-3 cars were approaching the end of their expected useful lifespan, as well as being increasingly scrutinized for their shaky ride quality and lack of air conditioning. SEPTA placed an order for 220 new rail cars, each costing $1.29 million.
These cars, designated Class M-4, were manufactured by Adtranz (now Bombardier Transportation) in Elmira, New York, and delivered between 1997 and 1999. These cars are equipped with AC traction motors, air conditioning, LCD signage, and automated announcements. All of the M-3 cars were retired after the last of the M-4s entered service, with five of the former being converted to work cars. The five remaining M-3s were later retired, with M-4 cars 1033 and 1034 replacing them for work service, and the last of the remaining M-3s had been scrapped by 2005. Two of the M-3s have been preserved, cars 606 and 618 at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum and the Seashore Trolley Museum, respectively. These cars represent the only preserved examples of Market-Frankford line rolling stock.
In February 2017, SEPTA temporarily removed about 90 M-4 cars from service after inspections revealed cracks and signs of fatigue in load-bearing bolsters and associated components.
