Accelerate: The Future of Public Transit Starts Now

What if public transit could be one of the biggest reasons people choose to live, work and invest in our region?

That is the vision behind Accelerate, SEPTAโ€™s plan for a safer, more reliable, more accessible and more modern transit system, one that can help drive jobs, investment and opportunity across Southeastern Pennsylvania and the Commonwealth for generations to come. 

SEPTA is already moving toward that future. With sustained investment, and strong partnerships, we can modernize our stations and vehicles, expand frequent service, improve the experience for riders and build a transit system that helps our entire region and state thrive. Accelerate lays out the path forward, and the opportunity ahead. 



SEPTA Accelerates

A Shared Vision Across the Region

โ€œIf we want to grow our economy and create good jobs, we need a transit system that gets people where they need to go. Accelerate is about modernizing SEPTA, investing in working people, and building a stronger future for our region. This is the kind of investment we need to make sure people have access to the jobs and economic growth they deserve.โ€


Ryan N. Boyer, Business Manager of the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council

โ€œEvery day, SEPTA carries people to the care they need and brings nearly 8,000 of Penn Medicine employees to the hospitals and clinics where they provide it. A strong, reliable public transportation system is essential to a healthy, thriving community. SEPTAโ€™s Accelerate plan invests in access, opportunity and the long-term vitality of southeastern Pennsylvania, and our region will be better for it.โ€


Kevin B. Mahoney, CEO, University of Pennsylvania Health System

โ€œAt Jefferson Health, weโ€™re committed to being the most accessible health system in the country โ€” and we canโ€™t do that without a transit system thatโ€™s equally accessible. Thousands of our colleagues ride SEPTA to work each day, and countless patients ride SEPTA to get the care they depend on. Transportation should never be the reason someone misses an appointment. Accelerate isnโ€™t just about a better commute, itโ€™s about better health for our region.โ€


Dr. Joseph Cacchione, CEO, Jefferson

โ€œOur transit system is one of our regionโ€™s greatest assets. Accelerate is a vision for whatโ€™s possible when we invest in a reliable, modern system that connects people to jobs, businesses to talent and communities across Greater Philadelphia to opportunity. As we work to make our region a top global destination for business and a leader in inclusive growth, this kind of forward-looking investment is essential.โ€


Chellie Cameron, President & CEO, the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia

โ€œA thriving city and a strong public transit system are intrinsically linked, and the Accelerate plan will help modernize and enhance SEPTAโ€™s stations, vehicles and overall transit service. It is not only a vision; it is a path forward that will allow SEPTA to better serve its thousands of daily riders. SEPTA is the medium that brings so many of Templeโ€™s students, faculty, staff and neighbors to and from campus. It directly contributes to the vibrancy of our university community, and weโ€™re thrilled knowing that SEPTA will only grow stronger in the years to come as Accelerate is implemented.โ€


John Fry, Temple University President

โ€œFrom the beginning of our FIFA World Cup bid effort in 2017, we knew SEPTA would be an essential partner, and this summer it delivered for Philadelphia on the global stage. More than 155,000 fans rode the B Line home after our six matches, while SEPTA kept residents moving to work, to the FIFA Fan Festival and everywhere in between. Major events in the City of Philadelphia are never meant to be just a moment in time; theyโ€™re meant to be an accelerator for growth. Accelerate is how our region builds on the success of this summer, and it will make our region ready for whatever the world brings us next.โ€


Meg Kane, CEO/Host City Executive, Philadelphia Soccer 2026

โ€œComing off an incredibly strong summer for visitation, when transit was vital to our success, weโ€™re excited about SEPTAโ€™s Accelerate vision plan and what it means for Philadelphia. A strong public transportation system is essential for moving people throughout our region, whether theyโ€™re visiting, heading to work or exploring the city. That includes the thousands of hospitality workers who help make Philadelphia a great place to visit. Growing Philadelphia as a destination means giving people reasons to come and making it easy for them to experience more of our neighborhoods, attractions and local businesses once theyโ€™re here.โ€

Angela Val, President & CEO, Visit Philadelphia

โ€œA world-class region requires a world-class transit system. SEPTA is critical to the future of Greater Philadelphia, connecting people to opportunity and driving economic growth. Projects like Schuylkill Yards demonstrate the power of transit to attract investment, talent and innovation. We applaud SEPTAโ€™s bold vision and continued commitment to strengthening our regionโ€™s competitiveness and quality of life.โ€

Jerry Sweeney, President, CEO & Trustee, Brandywine Realty Trust

โ€œAs an essential driver of our local economy, SEPTA moves the entire southeastern region. Accelerate details a bold path forward to boost workforce access, promote job creation and fuel regional growth. For Chester County employers, commuters and residents, initiatives like Reimagining Regional Rail offer an exciting blueprint for the future. The Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry will continue to advocate strongly for the sustained funding needed to keep SEPTA โ€“ and public transit systems statewide โ€“ reliable, robust and viable for years to come.โ€

Laura Manion, President & CEO, Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry

Press Conference, September 22, 2026