TAKE A NUMBER It seems as though Middletown Township (Bucks) isn't the only municipality that's in a foul mood when it comes to SEPTA. As noted on these pages in November, the Middletown Township (Bucks) Board of Supervisors began legal proceedings against SEPTA and CSX regarding a troublesome crossing gate along the R3 West Trenton line at Woodbourne Rd. The last report I had heard on this issue was that the township had filed a complaint with the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission.

Now, Millbourne Borough (which is actually a municipality and not just an El station stop) is also considering legal action against SEPTA regarding permit fees related to the Market St El reconstruction project. Millbourne Solicitor John McBlain accused SEPTA of refusing to pay nearly $23,000 in engineering and building permit fees, according to Friday's editions of the Delaware County Daily Times. State Rep. Mario Civera (R-164 of Upper Darby) is working on behalf of the borough to advance Millbourne's position. While borough officials view the El reconstruction project through as "an asset" to Millbourne, that hasn't stopped officials from putting pressure on SEPTA. McBlain told the Daily Times that the borough "... won't issue a permit and if [SEPTA starts] work without a permit, we will send a squad car to the site." And you thought protesters in West Philadelphia were going to be the only collective pains in SEPTA's rear...

ASLEEP? This morning, the 8:17am R5 from Downingtown to 30 St Station (#1530) featured a 3 car train - including the #285 car, which appeared to have problems with its air compressor, as it was making some sputtering noises not normally associated with normal operation. The car closed off (the #109 car was starting to fill up by the time the train reached Exton). It make one wonder if someone's not doing their job at Frazer Yard...