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SEPTA Putting Hybrid Tech to Use in Subway

Regenerative braking system could save SEPTA a half-million dollars annually

Thursday, Sep 2, 2010 | Updated 3:15 PM EST

SEPTA Putting Hybrid Tech to Use in Subway

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Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority is planning to put hybrid technology to use on its subway cars.

Officials from the SEPTA say the new regenerative braking system could save the agency a half-million dollars per year for each massive storage battery it installs.

The system is similar in concept to the hybrid technology used in some cars. Power generated by braking subway cars is stored in batteries to be used later.

Conshohocken-based Viridity Energy is designing the system. Viridity CEO Audrey Zibelman says the system could allow SEPTA to buy power at night and resell it during expensive peak hours.

If the $1.5 million pilot program proves workable, SEPTA could expand it to all 38 of its electrical substations.