This week, we're exploring one of SEPTA's most familiar routes, the Broad Street Line. The BSL spans 10 miles and has 22 station stops for all local trains. Local trains run every 7 minutes during AM and PM rush. Train times vary for the rest of the day, but the longest length between train times is 12 minutes. Express trains also run on a separate track and stop at 8 of the 22 stations. During peak times express trains run every 7 minutes, while during off peak hours express trains come every 12 minutes. 

On a typical weekday, the BSL makes 626 trips and carries a total of 111,575 passengers. This makes it SEPTA’s second busiest traveled route. Do you know what the busiest route is? Let us know in the comments section below.

In the meantime, let’s take it back to when it all began – 1928. Service on the northern half of the Broad Street Line, between City Hall and Olney Avenue, opened on September 1, 1928. That's nearly 91 years of service! 

Service to the Walnut-Locust station did not begin until 1930; the Lombard-South station entered service in 1932. Service from that point south to Snyder Avenue began on September 18, 1938. Service did not extend to Pattison Avenue, now known as NRG Station, until 1973. It’s not a coincidence that 1973 is also when the Sports Complex opened.

Whether you’re headed to class at Temple University, out to dinner in East Passyunk, or to watch the Sixers or the Phillies, the Broad Street Line is the best way there!

Calling all science-lovers! This Saturday welcomes the annual Philadelphia Science Festival back to the Ben Franklin Parkway. For everyone who enjoys hands-on learning, involved experimenting, exploring hypotheses, and asking lots of questions, this event is for you.

This event aims to educate, inspire, and engage the region with the science and technology that surrounds our everyday world. Organized and led by The Franklin Institute, in collaboration with 200 of the region’s premier science, cultural, and educational establishments, the Philadelphia Science Festival offers events for families and adults all across the Delaware Valley.

And that's why SEPTA loves to be a part of this! We're asking you to challenge the spatial-awareness and navigation sensors in your brain to answer our question: Can you navigate a bus through Philadelphia? 

It's a challenge that we face every day here at SEPTA, managing our bus routes around construction, detours, races (Broad Street Run this weekend, anyone?), events, pedestrians, and more, while still ensuring passengers reach their destinations safely, and that major landmarks are amply served. So we ask you to join our ranks, put on your urban-planning hat, your system-mapping hat, and your problem solving navigational skills, and stop by our tent on Saturday to show us what you're made of! 

To all participants, you'll be rewarded with a compass which we hope will help you on all of your navigating journeys this Saturday, and for all Saturdays to come. 

So get fresh air, stretch your legs, flex your problem-solving skills and come explore the Philadelphia Science Festival this Saturday! 

A street track renewal project on our Route 10 Trolley Line runs May 5 – July 20, 2019.

The street structure supporting the tracks has deteriorated due to weather, traffic and the age of the road surface. SEPTA crews will excavate and replace track, including the curve and switches at 52nd & Lancaster, and repave the track area.

The project will take place from 54th Street & Lansdowne Avenue to Girard & Lancaster Avenues on the eastbound and westbound tracks. The project will start at 54th & Lansdowne and progress east to Lancaster & Girard in three block increments.

For residents, the new track will result in reduced sound and vibration because the new rail is encased in an insulated rubber boot. For riders, the new and improved track components will make for a smoother ride and allow SEPTA to continue to provide safe and reliable trolley service.

For the duration of the project, buses will replace trolleys along the Route 10 from 63rd & Malvern to 33rd & Market Streets. Beginning May 5, you can board any Route 11, 13, 34, or 36 Trolley for service between 33rd & Market Streets and Center City.

If you're traveling toward Overbrook, you can board any Route 11, 13, 34 or 36 Trolley in Center City and transfer to buses at 33rd & Market Streets.

Traffic will be detoured around the area where work is in progress.

Thru lanes in the construction areas will be closed to all traffic, with the exception of emergency vehicles. Delivery and trash removal vehicles will have limited access. All side streets in the construction areas will be closed to thru traffic, but local traffic will be permitted up to construction site.

Construction hours will be 7a - 8p. Monday-Friday. Weekend work may be necessary.

For more information, click here or contact SEPTA Customer Service at (215) 580-7800.

This week, we’re taking a closer look at the Route 27! The Route 27 is a SEPTA City Bus Route that travels from Broad and Carpenter to the Plymouth Meeting Mall. On its 19.5 miles route, the 27 serves Center City, Manayunk, Roxborough, and Barren Hill. On a typical weekday, this route carries 4,423 riders and makes 135 total trips.

Route 27's TransitView

The Route 27 was established on February 5, 1984, replacing Route A Express service via Henry Avenue and Barren Hill. On September 10, 1989, service on this route was extended to the Plymouth Meeting Mall.

The former Route A

At the Plymouth Meeting Mall, the Route 27 connects with Bus Routes 90, 95, 98, 150, and L. In Center City, Route 27 riders can connect with all SEPTA Regional Rail Lines at Suburban Station. The Route 27 runs seven days a week until 1:00 AM, making it a great way to get to Center City, Manayunk and Roxborough without having to worry about parking.

Whether you’re headed to work, the mall, or need to connect to another line, hop the Route 27 and let SEPTA be your ride!

The end of the month brings about the end of another one of our contests! At the beginning of the month, we told you that for every mile you don’t drive, you reduce your carbon footprint by one pound. We asked you to tell us where you ride SEPTA, and how much that reduces your carbon footprint.  We received over 350 entries over the past few weeks, and we while we wish we could have picked all of them as winners, we had to break out our trusty hat to find out who would get the grand prize of a monthly trail pass. And that lucky winner was Jamie S. Jamie said:

 “I love taking SEPTA to Wild Mutation Records in Kensington! I take the MFL from 46th Street Station to York-Dauphin Station and walk the rest of the way. It’s 16 miles round trip from my house, so I reduce my footprint by 32 pounds. Also, driving really sucks, so it’s a win-win, really.”

We’re glad we could help, Jamie!

In the hundreds of responses we received, we learned so much about how and why you use SEPTA. Nearly half of the responses talked about how they reduce their carbon footprint every time they go to work or school. Dozens told us about outings to museums, parks, and theaters all throughout Philadelphia and beyond that they SEPTA to and from. And many wrote about riding the Broad Street Line to NRG Station to head to the stadiums to cheer on our teams.

When all the submissions were added up, we found that SEPTA reduced your carbon footprint by over 200,000 lbs every year. Congratulations on doing your part in reducing carbon emissions!

This week, we're exploring the Route 45! This SEPTA Bus Route was originally the southern portion of Route 23, which was split into two separate shorter routes in November 2015. The new Route 45 serves the same portion of 23 operating between Broad & Oregon and 11th & Noble Streets. On an average weekday, the Route 45 travels 1,092 miles and carries 4,588 passengers.

The Route 45 makes 254 weekday trips between 5:00am and 3:00am, running every 6 minutes during the morning rush, and every 8 minutes during the evening rush. The Route 45 connects with the Broad Street Line at Oregon Station and all Regional Rail Lines at Jefferson Station.

This Saturday and Sunday, the nation’s oldest outdoor market and the already-bustling heart of South Philadelphia welcomes the city for the Italian Market Festival, a foodie’s dream with flavors from the area’s restaurants and shops. The annual celebration also features live entertainment and activities. Skip traffic and parking - take the Route 45 there! 

Take the pledge! This Friday, 5/17 is Philadelphia's 24th Bike to Work and Wherever Day. Hosted by the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, this annual event encourages commuters to switch up their normal routine and hop on their bikes to get to work or at least part way to work.

The Bicycle Coalition is hosting two Energizer Stations during the event, at Penn Museum (33rd and South Streets) and The Rail Park (entrance on Broad & Noble Streets). Ride through for a free morning yoga class, coffee, cookies, on-the-bike snacks, swag, bike checkups, e-scooter demos, and more! Later in the morning at their press conference at Philadelphia City Hall, the Bicycle Coalition will present their "Bike-Phriendly Business" award(s) to local companies and organizations that have made bicycling a priority in their workplace; that winner gets a $200 gift certificate toward a new bike rack from their sponsor Dero!

SEPTA will be joining the University of Pennsylvania, Ride Indego, and more at the Penn Museum Energizer Station. Stop by our table for information, exciting new giveaways, and any questions you may have about bringing your bike on SEPTA.

In fact, did you know all of SEPTA’s buses and trackless trolleys are equipped with bike racks? SEPTA now celebrates having nearly 900 bike racks at stations throughout the Regional Rail system, the Market-Frankford and Broad Street Lines, as well as, along the Norristown High Speed Line and the Media-Sharon Hill Line. 

According to the League of American Bicyclists, 40% of all trips in the U.S. are less than two miles and from 2000 to 2013, the number of bicycle commuters in the U.S. grew by more than 62%. And in Philadelphia, since 2000, bicycle commuting has increased more than 300%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Annual Community Survey.

Take the pledge to Bike to Work or Wherever here! And a bonus (as if you needed a bonus to cutting down your carbon footprint, saving money, and saving the planet): they'll send you discounts to redeem at local coffee and ice cream shops. 

If you're participating in the festivities on Friday, don't forget to use the hashtag #BikeToWorkPHL on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Happy riding!

Each year, thousands of adult job seekers, recent college graduates, U.S. veterans, and trade-skill professionals attend this massive employment event. Participants are encouraged to dress in business attire, bring multiple resumes, and arrive on time. An onsite computer lab will be setup to allow job seekers to apply for job openings at the event.

“Last year, our Annual Neighborhood Job Fair had over 100 employers, all hiring, with jobs ranging from very entry level to management level opportunities! We are anticipating the same turn out of employers to serve the thousands of job seekers that traditionally flock to this massive employment event! This job fair is one of Temple University’s largest community outreach endeavors. The goal of this event is to help match qualified job seekers from our community with local employers that have specific hiring needs,” said Michael Robinson, Director-Community Outreach and Employment/Temple University, the event organizer.

Temple said that employers scheduled to be at Thursday’s job fair include: Aramark, Comcast, Radio One, Pepsi, Verizon, Wawa, UPS, Federal Bureau of Prisons, Univest Financial Corp., SugarHouse Casino, Elwyn, Carvana, American Cable, Philadelphia Police, SEPTA, Temple University Hospital, Kimmel Center, Community College of Philadelphia, Allied Universal Security, Logan Hotel, Einstein Healthcare, Temple University Police, Firstrust Bank, Pep Boys, ACCU Staffing, Hopson Cleaning, Brightside Academy, American Heritage Credit Union, Loews Hotel, Bettinger Co., Delaware River Port Authority, Monarch Staffing, Connection (IT technical solutions), APM (Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha), Philadelphia Fire Department, and Successful Aging Co.

Pre-register for this event to earn a chance to win a FREE T-Mobile Tablet with a 2 year internet service subscription.

For more information, contact Michael Robinson: Phone: 215-204-0677 or Email: mike.robinson@temple.edu

The Beta test phase of the enhanced SEPTA Key site is complete and will fully switch over to the new site on Wednesday, May 15, 2019. We launched the new site as a Beta test in March, with the goal of improving the user experience across all platforms. And we did just that - receiving positive feedback from customers.

The new site is more intuitive, with a fresh design and layout. The site automatically adjusts its display for any device, such as Apple and Android phones and tablets, desktop computers, and laptops. It provides each user with a customized experience tailored to the screen size they are using. It's easier to load fare products, get news and information about the SEPTA Key, manage your account, access trip history and add or remove payment methods. All security protocols remain in the new version, to ensure customers’ information is safe. There's also a new Help & Information Section which includes updated Frequently Asked Questions, SEPTA Key program and fare information, and a locator map to help identify places to buy Key Cards and load/reload SEPTA fare products.

If you're already using the site, there will be no interruption. You will not need to make any changes, as login information will remain the same. Questions about Key? Click here.

The City of Philadelphia has federal funding to make transportation improvements along Island Avenue between Elmwood Avenue and Suffolk Avenue to reduce congestion and improve safety for all modes of transportation – otherwise known as the Island Avenue Improvement Project.  As part of this project, traffic signals are being improved, intersections are being simplified with reduced pedestrian crossing distances, and a shared trail is being provided for pedestrians and cyclists.

The first Island Avenue Improvement Project Public Open House is quickly approaching. Come see the plans on Wednesday, May 22, 2019 from 6p to 9p at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum (Auditorium). 

There is no formal presentation, please arrive at your convenience during the event. Light Refreshments will be served.

Although, this is not a SEPTA project, SEPTA reps will be staffing a station at the event to explain SEPTA’s trolley modernization project and answer questions regarding the trolley line that runs through this corridor.

This week, we’ll be exploring the one and only Airport Line! SEPTA’s Airport Regional Rail Line was established on April 28, 1985, making it just over 34 years old! For the past 34 years, the Airport Line has been the best travel option between Philadelphia International Airport and Center City – and it’s only getting better!

The Airport Line stops at all major Philadelphia International Airport terminals, and reaches Center City Philadelphia in approximately 25 minutes, with one intermediate stop. The Airport Line runs every 30 minutes from 5am to midnight daily. On a typical weekday, the Airport Line makes 78 trips and carries 6,075 passengers.

There are several ways to pay your fare on the Airport Line. The cost on board the train between Philadelphia International and Center City is $8 (cash only). Additionally, you can buy a ticket in advance at any SEPTA Sales Office for $6.75.

Travelers also have the to option to purchase a Quick Trip from the SEPTA Key Fare Kiosks located at each Airport Line Terminal Stop. A Quick Trip is valid for one-way travel between PHL and Center City and costs $6.75. 

With Memorial Day Weekend coming up, there is a lot happening in the Philadelphia area. If you're travelling to or from the city, avoid traffic, parking, and ride share surges and take the Airport Line to or from PHL!

The Women Building SEPTA - Trades & Technical Career Fair will be held on June 22, 2019 at SEPTA Headquarters, 1234 Market Street, Philadelphia, on Saturday, June 22, 2019.

This exciting event will have two focal points:

1. For women who are currently working within the skilled trade/technical fields, this is an opportunity to quickly pre-qualify for existing vacancies. In advance of the Job Fair, we will be conducting accelerated testing for the skilled craft positions listed below. At the Job Fair, we will have managers available to discuss careers at SEPTA. To qualify for most of these job opportunities, you need to have at the minimum one year of high-level work experience related to the position in which you are interested. However, the Signal and Power Trainee positions will accept one year of relevant technical education or military training in lieu of work experience.

2. For women who are interested in starting careers in the skilled trade/technical fields, we will provide useful information on potential career paths, training school information and one-on-one meetings with managers to discuss careers at SEPTA. We will also be offering interview preparation tips for job seekers.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, June 22nd, from 9 AM to 1 PM. Please note that this Job Fair is by invite only! To receive your invitation, please click on Apply for this Job at the bottom of this post and answer the screening questions. You will receive an email response with your invitation and reporting information.

We are looking to recruit candidates for these skilled trade/technical positions at the Career Fair:

• Bus Mechanic 

• Rail Vehicle Mechanic

• Rail Vehicle Electrical/Electronic Maintainer

• Building Electrician 

• Welder

• HVAC Maintainer (Vehicle & Facilities) 

• Construction Equipment Operator

• Power Trainee

• Signal Trainee

• Track General Helper

• Mason

For details regarding each of these positions, please visit the registration page. For directions to SEPTA Headquarters, click here.

Please note that all positions require a valid driver's license and a high school diploma or GED.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

As part of the transition to SEPTA Key on Regional Rail, starting July 1, 2019, TransPasses will no longer be accepted for weekday travel on the Airport Line. The change was originally announced as part of the fare policies that went into effect on July 1, 2017.

Effective July 1, you will need a Zone 1 or greater Weekly/Monthly TrailPass for weekday travel on the Airport Line. There will be no change to single-trip or cash fares.

If you already have a SEPTA Key card and normally purchase a TransPass for your commute on the Airport Line, you can continue to use the same Key card, but for July, you will need to purchase/load a Zone 1 TrailPass.

Riders who buy their Monthly SEPTA Pass through a Corporate Benefits program or at Travelex Currency Services at Philadelphia International Airport will continue to receive a legacy magnetic stripe pass when they purchase a Zone 1 TrailPass.

TransPasses will remain valid for travel on all Regional Rail lines on weekends and major holidays.

Breath in that warm air (hopefully here to stay!) because Memorial Day Weekend, and the unofficial start of summer, is finally here! 

If you'd prefer to not sit in traffic on the AC Expressway, you're in luck. Because there is so much going on in and around the Philadelphia Region.  

Just steps away from Center City Philadelphia is our Destination of the Week, the Delaware River Waterfront. There is so much going on at the Waterfront this weekend!  There's River Alive! a new 4,000-square foot permanent exhibition at the Independence Seaport Museum, focused on the Delaware River and how millions of people use it for water, food and recreation (and guess what - it's a Perk)! Spruce Street Harbor Park not only is open for business with dining, a beer garden, hammocks, a boardwalk, and entertainment, but it's also hosting both the Art Star Pop-Up Market (which will showcase arts and craft vendors every weekend until September), as well as UNIVESTival, a three-day festival in honor of Memorial Day featuring live music, crafts, giveaways, and a big fireworks show on Saturday. 

Speaking of fireworks, Penn’s Landing hosts their Memorial Day Fireworks and Full Spectrum Concert on Saturday, 5/25.  Full Spectrum is an 8-piece, electrifying, high energy “pop & hip-hop” band out of the United States Air Force Heritage of America Band, made up of 3 vocalists, keyboards, guitar, bass, drums, and an audio engineer. The concert begins at 8p, the fireworks show begin at 9:30p. To get front row seats, just take the Market-Frankford Line to 2nd Street or hop Bus Routes 12, 17, 21, 25, 33, 42, or 48.

Head to the Mann where the Philly POPS celebrate those who serve our country during the fourth annual Comcast NBCUniversal Memorial Salute at the Mann on Saturday, 5/25. The show is FREE, and guests can expect to hear patriotic anthems as well as popular show tunes and hits from the Great American Songbook. To get there, hop the SEPTA Mann Loop, SEPTA’s easy, one-seat trip to the show, that stops at major locations in Center City, and accepts cash, tokens, Travel Wallet, transfers & passes including the One Day Independence Pass.

The Chinese Lantern Festival is now open for your viewing pleasure. Come see the square at 6th and Race streets come alive with 15,000 LED lights shining on 29 different lantern displays, including a 200-foot-long Chinese dragon. Also on tap: awe-inspiring acrobatics and folk dance performances, the Dragon Beer Garden, classic Asian food and more. To get here on SEPTA, ride the Market-Frankford Line to 5th Street/Independence Hall or ride Bus Routes 47 or 47M.

On Saturday, 5/25, the Philadelphia Union take on Portland at Talen Energy Stadium. Start time is 7:30p. To get here on SEPTA, take the Wilmington/Newark Regional Rail Line to the Chester Transportation Center. From there, grab Route 113 to the stadium.

Want to get out of Philly, but the shore isn’t calling your name? Head to Devon for the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, the country’s oldest and largest event of its kind, features more than a dozen horse races in addition to hunters, jumpers, Saddlebreds, four-in-hand coaching, plus exhibitions, and an old-fashioned Country Fair at the Devon Show Grounds. This annual 11-day event begins Thursday, 5/23 and runs until Sunday, 6/2. The grounds are directly across the street from the Devon Station on the Paoli/Thorndale Regional Rail Line, making this easy SEPTA access.

While the Market-Frankford Line and Broad Street Line always run 24 hours a day on Friday and Saturday nights, we’re sweetening the deal and extending that through Memorial Day Weekend! That’s right. If you plan to burn the midnight oil on Sunday (and sleep in on Monday) then take note – the Market-Frankford Line and Broad Street will run overnight – for all 24 hours of Sunday (into Monday) as well.

If you're planing to leave town entirely, remember that connecting to Amtrak is a breeze at 30th Street Station. And if you've got a date to fly the friendly skies, the Philadelphia Airport is only a train ride away! Our Airport Line stops at all major Philadelphia International Airport terminals, and is just a 25 minute ride from Center City, with one intermediate stop. The Airport Line runs every 30 minutes from 5am to midnight daily. The Airport is also served by two bus routes - Route 37 and Route 108. Find the answers to all of your Airport Line questions here. 

Enjoy your Memorial Day Weekend!

National Hamburger Day is observed each year on May 28.

It is most likely that the hamburger sandwich first appeared in the 19th or early 20th centuries, but there is much controversy over its origin. Over the years, the hamburger has become a culinary icon in the United States. The world’s largest hamburger was prepared on September 2, 2012, in Carlton, Minnesota by Black Bear Casino Resort and weighed in at 2,014 pounds.

You might be asking yourself what does National Hamburger Day have to do with SEPTA? That answer is easy - Perks!

Play your [SEPTA Key] card right or your SEPTA Pass and you can celebrate National Hamburger Day and save a few bucks! Here's how:

Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant in Center City is located across the street from Jefferson Station and is where craft beer and from-scratch food - including delicious hamburgers - come together. Get $5 off your food bill of $25 or more when you present your valid SEPTA Key, TrailPass, TransPass, or One Day Independence Pass. Details here.

The Irish Pub opened its doors in Philadelphia 35 years ago and became an immediate hit with neighbors, young urban professionals, and professional athletes - which continues to this day. What also continues is the fabulous hamburger on their menu! Save 10% off food at both Center City locations when you present your valid SEPTA TrailPass, TransPass, One Day Independence Pass, or SEPTA Key. Details here.

Their name might be Zio's Pizza - but they have hamburgers too! Enjoy 10% off your entire order at Zio's Pizza located on 13th Street in Midtown Village when you present your valid SEPTA TrailPass, TransPass, One Day Independence Pass, or SEPTA Key. Details here. 

Located in the heart of historic Old City, just foot steps from SEPTA's 2nd Street Station, Sonny's Famous Steaks also does hamburgers! Receive 5% off your order when you present your valid SEPTA TrailPass, TransPass, One Day Independence Pass, or SEPTA Key. Must present Pass before you place your order and tell cashier of offer. Details here. 

Bareburger on Walnut Street's name says it all (meaning they have hamburgers) but did you know the ingredients for their yummy hamburgers are sourced as close to home as possible? Save 10% when you present your valid SEPTA Key, TrailPass, TransPass, or One Day Independence Pass. Details here.

Headed to the Phillies game? Head to XFINITY Live! first for a pre-game hamburger! Save 10% at Philliy's premier dining and entertainment destination when you flash your valid SEPTA TrailPass, TransPass, One Day Independence Pass, or SEPTA Key. Details here. 

Freddie's Tavern in Ewing, NJ is located just steps away from the SEPTA West Trenton Train Station and boasts several hamburger options on its menu. Get 10% off your check when you show your SEPTA Key, TrailPass, TransPass, or One Day Independence Pass. Details here. 

Located at the Doylestown Train Station, the Station TapHouse features a great menu - including - you guessed it - hamburgers! - and the largest craft beer bar in Doylestown. Here's the best part - take 15% off your entire bill when you show your valid SEPTA TrailPass, TransPass, One Day Independence Pass, or SEPTA Key. Details here. 

Gypsy Blu in Ambler invites you to swing by to an inviting neighborhood restaurant and bar with 24 beers on tap, 8 wines on tap, specialty cocktails, and the best food - including the Gypsy Burger - around! Enjoy 15% off food when you present your valid SEPTA TrailPass, TransPass, One Day Independence Pass, or SEPTA Key. Details here.

Another great spot to grab a hamburger on the Lansdale/Doylestown LIne is Roberts Block, an inviting neighborhood restaurant & bar located at the Glenside Train Station serving dinner, snacks & drinks. Save 10% off food EVERY Tuesday & Wednesday [from 4:30-9:30p]  with your valid SEPTA Key, TrailPass, TransPass, or One Day Independence Pass. Details here.

Hop the Paoli/Thorndale Line for a delicious hamburger at the Great American Pub in Narberth. Flash your valid SEPTA Key, TrailPass, TransPass, or One Day Independence Pass for 10% off your food bill! Details here. 

Before or after you head out to Sesame Place or other attractions in Trevose, PA, start/end your day with a hamburger at Atrium Bistro, the on-site restaurant at the Radisson. Receive 15% off when you present your valid SEPTA Key, TrailPass, TransPass, or One Day Independence Pass. Details here.

Prefer to eat on the run? Trolley Car Café, located in East Falls, is a BYOB café serving breakfast, lunch, ice cream, and hamburgers! Get 10% off any take-out item when you present your valid SEPTA Key TrailPass, TransPass, One Day Independence Pass, or SEPTA Key. Details here. Or try their sister location in Mt. Airy - Trolley Car Diner! Details here.

And good news for all! These Perks Partners also accept SEPTA Key Senior IDs too!

Happy National Hamburger Day!

This week we are exploring the Route 25, which travels between Frankford Transportation Center and Columbus Commons in South Philadelphia. Buses have been traveling on the 25 since April 9, 1949. This route has seen major expansion since SEPTA took over, with the last extension being its current terminus of Columbus Commons in September 2004. On a typical weekday, the Route 25 travels 1,328 miles and carries 4,280 passengers. It makes 108 total trips Monday thru Friday and 66 trips on weekends.

The Route 25 in 1993

The Route 25 connects with 18 bus routes at the Frankford Transportation Center, as well as the Market-Frankford Line. This route travels to many different shopping centers, including Columbus Commons, which includes Ikea, Best Buy, Pier 1 Imports, and so much more. The Route 25 also can get you to the waterfront attractions like the Independence Seaport Museum, Spruce Street Harbor Park, SugarHouse Casino, and so much more. If you have somewhere to go, the Route 25 can connect you!

SEPTA will hold two public hearings on Wednesday, May 29, 2019 to hear comments and answer questions about our Annual Service Plan for Fiscal Year 2020.

The meetings will be held at SEPTA Headquarters, 1234 Market Street in the Board Room on the mezzanine level, with sessions at starting at noon and 5p.

This year’s proposed plan includes key changes to SEPTA’s Service Standards and Process document, which serves as guidebook for how the Authority develops routing, scheduling and network changes. Revisions for Surface Transportation, including new performance metrics, a modified route classification system, and network design standards, are proposed, along with minor changes to Regional Rail standards.

Also, as part of the Plan, the following route changes operating under Experimental Order are proposed to be made permanent:

Route 40: A change to the alternate routing utilizing Pine Street during times when South Street is congested. Also discontinuance of a portion of the base route to private property near the intersection of Front & Lombard Streets, which was approved but never implemented.

Route 73: A change to the routing to enter the Shoppes at Wissinoming Shopping Center during business hours for improved access to a full service supermarket.

Route 104: A change to the end of line at West Chester University to address a University project which proposes closing a street at the previous end of line at Church Street and University Avenue. The new end of line keeps buses on High Street to and from the Swope Performing Arts Center.

Route 131: The change added service to a portion of Egypt Road and Shannondell Boulevard to improve service to the Audubon Village Shopping Center and Shannondell at Valley Forge.

Implementation of the recommended projects will proceed pending the outcome of the public hearing process, SEPTA Board approval and available funding. Further information about SEPTA’s service standards process can be found here.

More information about SEPTA’s 2020 Annual Service Plan hearings is available here.

June is National Safety Month. Each week in June is an opportunity to make a difference in your home, work, and community.

Identifying risks around the home or improving safety standards at home and in your community protects everyone. Whether we increase first aid and emergency awareness through drills, conduct safety blitzes at our stations, or provide water safety tips for summer recreation, we’re taking steps to provide a safer neighborhood.

Above all else, SEPTA’s number one concern will always be safety: safety for our operators, engineers, and of course, you, the customer.

Last month, to kick-off SEPTA's Safety Day on May 1, we launched a contest asking you to pledge to Make the Safe Choice when riding SEPTA. And boy did you! We received a whopping 736 entries! Congratulations to Antonique B. for winning the drawing, and the grand prize of a June Anywhere TrailPass! 

While it’s true that riding public transportation keeps you safe, there are also many things you can be doing to keep yourself safe on public transportation. Here are a list of steps you can follow to make sure you’re being as safe as you possibly can be every time you ride SEPTA: 

• Always hold onto your children's hand when waiting for transit services.

• Don't let your children wander - transit areas are busy places.

• If you're standing while you ride, hold on tight to the poles or seat rails.

• Watch your step closely and make sure you have a firm footing when getting on or off.

• Read posted emergency evacuation instructions so you'll know what to do in the event of an emergency.

• Be alert for instructions from the Conductor, Operator or authorized personnel.

But riding SEPTA isn’t the only time to be aware of your safety! Here are some tips for staying safe when you’re near tracks: 

• Walking along the track right-of-way or crossing the tracks is trespassing; it could prove to be a fatal mistake.

• Approaching trains and trolleys can be very quiet, especially when there is snow on the ground or the weather is damp.

• Approaching trains and trolleys can seem to appear suddenly if you're listening to music with a headset or ear buds, or when you're talking on a cell phone and not paying attention to your surroundings.

• A moving train or trolley can't steer out of the way of an object or person, and it takes much more effort to slow or stop than a car.

• A train or trolley that you think is far enough away to give you time to illegally cross the tracks can reach you in seconds - it's just not worth the risk.

If you follow these tips as well as your own common sense, you’ll be well on your way to a safe trip! Read more about safety here.

Other things you can do:

• Report repairs as they are needed.

• Hold drills at home to help children know what to do in the even of fire, tornado, medical event, another natural disaster.

• Volunteer to participate in community emergency preparedness events.

• Put together a first aid kit.

• Take a CPR class.

• Teach someone to change a tire properly and safely.

• Learn about proper storage and disposal of medications.

• Take a defensive driving course.

• Learn how to identify fall hazards in a home.

• Visit the National Safety Council website for tips and resources and use #NationalSafetyMonth to share on social media.

As always, thanks for riding and for continuing to Make the Safe Choice!

Celebrating its twelfth-year anniversary, the Roots Picnic expands to a larger location in the coveted Fairmount Park area in Philadelphia Saturday, 6/1. Using the Mann Center as its hub, the new festival grounds will include 3 stages of music, gaming, art, and dialogue. The Roots will headline and celebrate the 20th anniversary of their seminal album Things Fall Apart. The day includes performances from artists such as H.E.R., 21 Savage, Tank & The Bangas, Lil Baby, and many more as well as a bevy of one-of-a-kind moments exclusive to Roots Picnic, including Black Thought’s “Live Mixtape” featuring Yasiin Bey and a first of its kind Jam Session curated by Raphael Saadiq and Questlove, titled Soulquarian vs Raphael Saadiq, as well as a live podcast experience including episodes of The Joe Budden Podcast, The Read Podcast and Questlove Supreme. Tickets, including general admission & VIP packages, are on sale now via Ticketmaster.com, (800) 982-2787, or the Mann Box Office.

The Mann Loop is not running but you can still get there on SEPTA! Routes 38, 40 and 43 stop within walking distance of the Mann. 

The Route 38 begins on 5th Street (north of Market Street) and finishes at the Wissahickon Transportation Center. You can catch this bus in Center City on Market Street (and on JFK Blvd after City Hall) before it turns up the Ben Franklin Parkway and travels behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art, towards Fairmount Park. For the Roots Picnic, you’ll want to ride Belmont Avenue and Avenue of the Republic (formerly North Concourse Drive) or South Concourse Drive.

The Route 40 travels from 2nd and Lombard Streets to Conshohocken and Monument. This bus is perfect for a Roots Picnic attendee coming from Society Hill, Queen Village, and University City (it travels through all of these). For the Roots Picnic, you’ll want to get off at 49th and Parkside Avenue.

The Route 43 will take you from Richmond and Cumberland Streets (around Fishtown and Kensington) to 50th and Parkside. You can catch this along Spring Garden before it turns on Lancaster Ave towards Fairmount Park. Just get off right before the bus’s last stop, at 49th and Parkside Avenue!

Plan your trip here! Happy Roots picnicking!