Complaining about SEPTA has been a Philly pastime for generations (they may never live down “We’re Getting There“). Buses that never show; ones that blow by you at a stop because they’re full; that long wait on a cold winter morning only for three buses to show up at once. Most of us have been there.

Well, transit planners at last night’s public unveiling of a proposed overhaul of SEPTA’s bus system say they are making changes – from shorter wait times to more consistent schedules and “straighter” routes.

“If we were building it from scratch, what would it look like?” SEPTA transit planner Dan Nemiroff asked during the online meeting to release the proposed route changes as part of SEPTA’s Bus Revolution project. Continue Reading

SEPTA is redesigning the entire Philadelphia region bus network as part of its Bus Revolution project and will present a draft network on Monday, Oct. 3. The redesign project aims to make buses more reliable, efficient, and easier to use. The redesigned network will combine SEPTA customers’ feedback with the Bus Revolution team’s ideas.

The new draft network will be presented online during SEPTA’s Transit Talk event on Monday, Oct. 3rd, from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m..

During this Transit Talk, SEPTA will:

• Provide an update on the project timeline and next steps
• Share the Draft Network with a focus on what’s proposed and why
• Share the calendar of Fall 2022 events
• Highlight the project website and where information is available
• Let you know what is coming next. Continue Reading

Construction activities will begin this week on Parkside Avenue as part of the Vision Zero Project, according to an announcement by the Streets Department. Due to the construction, temporary lane closures are expected between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. throughout the duration of the project, and motorists should anticipate some traffic delays.

The project involves the construction of pedestrian and bus boarding islands, ADA curb ramps, a multi-use trail, curb alignment, traffic signal upgrades at 52nd Street and Parkside Avenue, and a new traffic signal at 50th Street and Parkside Avenue. Work will also consist of new signage and improvements to street lighting at the intersection of 52nd Street and Merion Avenue. Continue Reading

SEPTA is preparing to introduce new technology that will allow riders to pay for trips with their smart phones, according to reports. The mobile ticket program is expected to launch by October, and will be available on all modes of transit except Regional Rail.

Only Android and iPhone users will be able to use this new feature and those who have a SEPTA Key account. One of the advantages of the new technology is that “multi-tapping” will be allowed, which means rides for other people (up to five) can be purchased on a single SEPTA Key account, something SEPTA Key cards are not devised to do.

The initial testing phase of the new technology took place in May and mostly included SEPTA employees. The second testing phase is expected to launch next month and SEPTA is seeking users not as familiar with the program. If you have one of the phones mentioned above and a SEPTA Key account and would like to participate in the pilot, fill out this online form.

Regional Rail users will have to wait until at least Spring 2023 to use mobile tickets. For more info, check out this article by Billy Penn.

University of Pennsylvania students will be moving into their dorms throughout next week, which means portions of Spruce Street will be closed during the day to accommodate them. Street closures will begin on Monday, Aug. 22 and continue through Sunday, Aug. 28 with no closures on Thursday, Aug. 25. Here are more details:

• Spruce Street between 34th and 38th Streets will be closed to traffic from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 22; Tuesday, Aug. 23; and Wednesday, Aug. 24.

Spruce Street between 38th and 40th Streets will be closed to traffic from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 26; Saturday, Aug. 27; and Sunday, Aug. 28.

All vehicular traffic, including bicycles, will not be permitted on the closed sections of Spruce Street. Buses will be on detour (please check septa.org for more details).

UPDATE 2 (8/19/2022): The intersection of 42nd and Spruce Streets will be closed to vehicular traffic from Saturday, Aug. 20 until Saturday, Aug. 27 for SEPTA trolley track replacement. Detours will be posted.

UPDATE (8/3/2022): The intersection of 40th and Walnut Streets will be shut down to vehicular traffic from Friday, Aug. 5 at 9 p.m. until Sunday, Aug. 7 at 9 p.m. as part of this project.

7/29/2022: After a month-long break, SEPTA crews will resume the Trolley Track Renewal Project along 40th Street on Monday, Aug. 1. The street will be closed between Chestnut St and Spruce St until approximately August 19th. Motorists should expect delays in the area.

The project began in June and also includes the renovation of the track curve at 42nd and Spruce streets. This work is expected to take place in late August until approximately August 27th.

Normal construction hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., but occasional weekend work may be required. More details on this project are available here.