SEPTA turns Silverliner V car into “Speakeasy Silverliner”

The city’s newest underground lounge might just be on your regional rail train thanks to a partnership between SEPTA and The National Constitution Center, which wrapped the inside of one Silverliner V in 1920s, Prohibition-themed décor to create “Speakeasy Silverliner.”

Friday through April 28, Silverliner V car 702, the “Speakeasy Siliverliner,” will run regular service on SEPTA’s regional rail tracks and help promote The National Constitution Center’s “American Spirits: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition” exhibition.

The “Speakeasy Silverliner” interior is decorated with a deep red plastic wrap that features antique-looking photos, lamps and even characters. The car features a “bar” at one end complete with a 3D image of a bartender and windows enhanced to look like liquor cabinets. The hope is that the overall feel of the car will be something like that of a Prohibition era speakeasy.

“Everytime I see car 702 coming, I’m gonna try to ride on it if it’s not too crowded,” said Andrew Bradell who commutes from Delaware County to work in Center City. Bradell was one of many who toured car 702 while it was parked at Suburban Station’s Track 0 for its debut Thursday.

“I think it’s going to be a big hit,” Bradell said.

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