Market-Frankford Line

Over two hundred and eighteen (218)  railcars operate the Market-Frankford line. Built by ADtranz between 1996, and 1999. These are the first heavy railcars in SEPTA’s fleet to feature electronic designation signs. The delivery of these cars allowed for SEPTA to replace their fleet of Budd M3 cars built in 1960. Between 2003 and 2006, SEPTA undertook a mini-rehabilitation of the interiors of these cars which has deteriorated badly after only seven (7) years in revenue service.

During this rehab, SEPTA replaced the soft cushion seats with stainless steel and cloth ones (similar to the seats on the American Ikarus, Neoplan Articulated, and Allison New Flyer fleet). SEPTA also replaced carpet side panels with stainless steel ones. Car sets 1037-1038, and 1041-1042 had two different test seats installed.  SEPTA have decided to go with the American Seating Innovator – 850 seats. Cars 1033-1034 have been converted to work cars, replacing the aging M3 set 759-760.

MFL M4 at 60th street station
Taken at Frankford Terminal
Taken by Dante Da Vaughn Angerville (RIP) at Frankford Terminal

Notes

The order of Adtrainz M4s were originally for 222 cars. The order consisted of 220 passenger and 2 work cars. However, it was decided that SEPTA wanted to keep five Budd cars for work service. While in service, SEPTA converted M4 cars #1033-1034 to operate as work trains. Consequently, this retired the remaining five Budd cars.  

 Out of all the retired cars used on the Market-Frankford line between 1907 and 1999 only 2 were preserved. Budd cars #606 and #618 are at the Pennsylvania trolley museum and the Seashore trolley museums, respectively. 

Year  ManufacturerModelFleet
1996AdtranzM4 Single End#1001-1004
1997-1999AdtranzM4 Single End#1005-1220

Station Listing

StationOpening DateStation levelAccessibleNotes
Frankford Transportation Center2003Elevated YesReplaced Bridge-Pratt Terminal which opened in 1922
Margaret-Orthodox1922Elevated  
Church1922Elevated Yes 
Erie Torresdale1922Elevated Yes 
Tioga1922Elevated Yes 
Allegheny1922Elevated Yes 
Somerset1922Elevated Yes 
Huntingdon1922Elevated Yes 
York-Dauphin1922Elevated Yes 
Berks1922Elevated Yes 
Girard1922Elevated Yes 
Spring Garden1977Elevated Replaced Fairmount Station which opened in 1922
2nd Street1908Subway Yes 
5th Street1908Subway  
8th Street1908Subway Yes 
11th Street1908Subway  
13th Street1908Subway Yes 
15th Street1907Subway  
30th Street1955Subway YesReplace 32nd Street elevated station which opened in 1907
34th Street1955Subway Replace 36th Street elevated station which opened in 1907
40th Street1955Subway Replace original Elevated station which opened in 1907
46th Street2008
Elevated YesReplace original station which opened in 1907
52nd Street2007Elevated YesReplace original station which opened in 1907
56th Street2006Elevated YesReplace original station which opened in 1907
60th Street2007Elevated YesReplace original station which opened in 1907
63rd Street2009Elevated YesReplace original station which opened in 1907
Millbourne2008At Grade YesReplace original station which opened in 1907
69th St Terminal1907At Grade Yes