PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — As the coronavirus crisis persists, SEPTA is asking its riders to board and exit from the rear door on all buses and trolleys, starting Wednesday.
As a result, SEPTA is suspending bus and trolley fare until further notice.
BUS: Rear door boarding on Bus, Norristown High Speed Line, and Trolley service begins Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Front door boarding will continue for Riders with Disabilities and Senior Citizens requiring boarding assistance.
— SEPTA (@SEPTA) March 31, 2020The back-door boarding method intends to further follow social-distancing guidelines and maintain a safe distance between drivers and passengers. Front-door boarding is still accessible for riders with disabilities.
SEPTA said there is enough space for remaining commuters to practice social distancing, but to further enforce it, bus rides will be limited to 20 riders at a time, 25 on trolleys, and 30 on the Norristown High Speed Line.
Operators have been instructed to keep track of the number of riders. If a bus or trolley reaches that maximum, service will be limited to drop-offs until there is more room.
"During the COVID-19 crisis, SEPTA will remain focused on providing transportation for essential workers, and for customers who need access to health care, grocery stores and other life-sustaining services," said SEPTA General Manager Leslie Richards. "For everyone's health and safety, we ask that all others refrain from using SEPTA until further notice."
Most of SEPTA's services are already on essential schedules. The Route 101 trolley is also being converted to a bus, and Route 102 is suspended.
Check SEPTA's website for the latest schedules.
