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PHILADELPHIA - July 11, 2011 (WPVI) -- Septa is the sixth largest public transportation agency in the country, but it's also one of the oldest, with most of the facilities dating back to the early 1900s.On Monday, Peter Rogoff, the Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration, toured Septa's infrastructure.He started in the control center where schematics for the entire rail system show every moving train and any electrical problems, then moved on to the City Hall Station."We've generated a lot of studies on the needs but there's no substitute for getting out on the system and seeing it first hand," said Rogoff.Septa's General Manager Joseph Casey hopes to get more accomplished."This is a full blown tour. We want to let him know all of our needs. We have a very old system. He understands it and hopefully we can get something done in D.C.," said Casey.Getting something done may not be easy. Officials say that Septa would need over $4 billion just make their system adequate.The federal government covers 51% of Septa's capitol budget. Septa and city officials are pitching for more federal funds if and when they become available."All of these investments mean jobs, mean economic development and making sure people can get around better and safer in this transportation network," said Mayor Michael Nutter."I think there is hope, especially at a time when we're looking at possibly $4 for gas. Partners in congress need to realize we have to move forward and not backward," said Rogoff.A study from the Federal Transit Administration shows that nationwide, $80 billion would be needed to make the country's transit system adequate.No solution or decision is expected after Monday's tour, but the point is to highlight Philadelphia's need.(Copyright ©2011 WPVI-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
