PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The SEPTA Board has given the green light to the first round of major changes to bus routes, which will take effect later this year.
SEPTA is reducing the number of bus routes from 124 to 106, with the same size fleet.
“This is not just a shifting of a vehicle from one location to another or one time to another,” explained SEPTA General Manager Scott Sauer. “In some cases, routes will be gone. In many cases, though, routes will be added entirely or service-enhanced.”
Years in the making, the New Bus Network plan eliminates 18 routes but establishes two new ones, creating 29 routes with service every 15 minutes or better.
The idea behind the New Bus Network is to eliminate duplication and create more frequent service, getting more people to more places in the shortest time possible. An example: Sauer pointed to a current 55-minute ride on one bus. “I can now get you to that point in 35 minutes. But you might have to take two buses,” he said.
The first phase of changes begins in late August. Until then, drivers will be trained, new bus stop signs will be ordered, and an education campaign will be launched.
“We’ll have staff out at 3,000 locations standing at bus stops handing out flyers and pamphlets,” said Colin Foley, SEPTA senior director of service planning. “A lot of the questions we’ve gotten are in areas where large changes are happening, like in West Philadelphia or up in North Philly near Crescentville.”
Sauer said SEPTA will also pilot a trip planner to help riders navigate their changing routes.
SEPTA is reducing the number of bus routes from 124 to 106 starting this fall
SEPTA is reducing the number of bus routes from 124 to 106 starting this fall
