SEPTA on Monday, Dec. 17, 2013 received the final Silverliner V electric multiple-unit (EMU) car it ordered from United Transit Systems, LLC, completing a $274 million order beset by delays.
The cars were produced at Hyundai Rotem's manufacturing facility in South Philadelphia, which suffered some labor unrest. Hyundai Rotem was one partner in the United Transit Systems consortium, joined by Sojitz Corp. America.
SEPTA is retiring its oldest cars, Silverliner II and Silverliner III models, with the completion of the Silverliner V order. SEPTA's fleet also includes 231 Silverliner IVs.
"It's taken a long time and a lot of hard work to arrive at this celebration," SEPTA General Manager Joseph Casey told local media.
Tony DeSantis, treasurer of the Delaware Valley Association of Rail Passengers (DVARP), added that his organization took "a very active interest in the planning and design process, and this is definitely a milestone for the riders."