Mechanics Check A Line After Philadelphia Train Issue

By Stan Bush

DENVER (CBS4) - RTD has ordered spot inspections of the entire A Line following a structural problem on a similar line in Philadelphia.

The inspections will not cause any delays in service.

A third of Philadelphia's SEPTA line was pulled out of service when inspectors found stress fractures in 120 cars' drop equalizer, a thick steel beam that is the central support system to the car's wheel units.

"We've done spot check on all of the cars that are in revenue today and we haven't found any issues at all," says Nate Currey, spokesman for RTD.

"Our cars are fundamentally different, even though they look the same. They are lighter. About 5,000 pounds lighter -- so, about the size of an elephant -- and we have different technology on our cars that they don't."

The cars used by SEPTA and the A Line were manufactured by the same company. RTD says mechanics will perform more thorough inspections of the cars during routine maintenance, but do not anticipate any issues.

Stan Bush is a general assignment reporter at CBS4. His stories can be seen on CBS4 News at 10. Read his bio and follow him on Twitter @StanBushTV.