Silverliner V
| Industry | Rail transport manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1977 |
| Headquarters | Seoul , South Korea |
| Products | Rolling stock, including Silverliner V electric multiple units |
The Silverliner V represents an electric multiple unit railcar developed and manufactured by Hyundai Rotem. It is deployed on Philadelphia's SEPTA Regional Rail system as well as Denver's Regional Transportation District (RTD). As the fifth iteration in the Silverliner series, it succeeded the older Silverliner II and III models, thereby improving fleet capacity and operational efficiency.
Produced between 2009 and 2016 at a facility in South Philadelphia, a total of 186 cars were constructed—120 designated for SEPTA and 66 for RTD. SEPTA integrated the Silverliner V into service starting in 2010, while RTD began utilizing them in 2016. The vehicles are crafted from stainless steel with a smooth exterior free of corrugations, utilizing titanium-infused, molybdenum-free materials. Each car measures 85 feet long and 10 feet 6 inches wide.
SEPTA’s Silverliner V units have a top operational speed of 110 mph and can accommodate up to 109 passengers per married pair. In contrast, RTD’s versions reach speeds up to 79 mph with seating capacity for 91 passengers per car. Both variants employ Mitsubishi Electric IGBT–VVVF inverter traction systems coupled with three-phase AC induction motors. Electrical power is drawn from overhead catenary lines—ranging from 12 kV to 25 kV AC depending on the operator—via pantographs.
The design priorities of the Silverliner V focus on enhancing reliability, operational effectiveness, and passenger comfort, serving vital commuter rail corridors in both Philadelphia and Denver.
SEPTA Regional Rail
The Silverliner V vehicles offer enlarged interior spaces, bigger windows, additional doorways, and integrated passenger information displays. They fully comply with ADA standards and adhere to Federal Railroad Administration safety regulations.
Although initially slated for delivery in 2005, the rollout was postponed until 2010 due to contractual disagreements, alterations in design specifications, and the setup of an assembly plant in South Philadelphia. SEPTA procured 120 cars for $274 million; the initial units were manufactured in South Korea by Hyundai Rotem, with final assembly completed locally in South Philadelphia. Service commenced on October 29, 2010, with full delivery anticipated by late 2011. However, delays pushed completion into mid-2012, leading to millions in penalties owed to SEPTA. Furthermore, the front row seating was closed off over safety considerations.
The last car arrived for testing in February 2013. Four specific units (735, 736, 871, and 872) are owned by Delaware but operate unrestricted across the network.
On July 2, 2016, SEPTA removed all 120 Silverliner V cars—comprising one-third of its fleet—from service after detecting fatigue cracks in the bogies, resulting in widespread service reductions. Partial reintroductions began in September 2016 but were halted again due to clearance issues that necessitated further withdrawals. SEPTA announced a return to regular schedules by October 3 and planned full fleet reinstatement by November of that year.
RTD Commuter Rail
In 2010, Denver's Regional Transportation District chose the Silverliner V model for its new commuter rail line, acquiring 66 cars arranged as married pairs at a cost of $300 million. The initial four cars were delivered on December 3, 2014, with operations starting in 2016. By 2020, Silverliner V trains served RTD’s A, B, G, and N routes.
Distinct from SEPTA’s versions, RTD’s Silverliner Vs support only 25 kV at 60 Hz AC electrification, feature two center-opening high-level doors on each side, utilize less powerful traction motors, have full-width driver cabs, and are equipped with bells.
Electromagnetic interference
Users of certain audio devices have experienced electromagnetic disturbances linked to tracks utilized by Silverliner V trains, which can disrupt both audio playback and recording quality. Additionally, this interference affects the onboard public address systems; however, Hyundai Rotem has implemented filtering solutions to mitigate these effects within the train cars.
