SEPTA’s Market-Frankford Line service resumes after transformer fire in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Service has resumed on SEPTA’s Market-Frankford Line after a blown transformer forced the shutdown of a large stretch of the system on Wednesday afternoon.

The issue began around 3 p.m. at the 15th Street/City Hall Station. Chopper 6 was overhead as smoke could be seen rising from the entrance to the platform due to a fire.

EL service was suspended for hours between 2nd Street and 30th Street, with shuttle buses transporting riders. The issue was resolved just before 7:30 p.m., but the transit agency warned of residual delays.

SEPTA crews had to deenergize the platform to respond safely and to mitigate the fire, said MaryAnn Tierney, SEPTA’s chief officer of the control center.

Some riders were left frustrated with city and SEPTA leaders.

“Put them in the subway for a week and have them ride what we have to ride to go to work, and then they’ll be ashamed of having to put us through this,” said Rachel McCarty of Center City.

No injuries have been reported.

The Broad Street Line trains ran as normal on Wednesday, bypassing City Hall Station as crews assessed the situation.