Overview
Buses are the lifeblood of the SEPTA system. They carry nearly half of all SEPTA riders and make up the majority of “service hours” across our region. While our bus network is rooted in history, with many of our buses running on the same routes that started out as streetcar and trolley lines a century ago, the way we travel now has changed a lot. We are redesigning the bus network to better match how people travel, aligning services with changes to the city and region, simplify bus routes to improve system legibility, and increase operational efficiency and effectiveness through improved speed and reliability. We’re investing in infrastructure improvements designed to make service faster and more reliable and are committed to transitioning to a Zero Emission Bus fleet.
Vision and Goals
SEPTA’s New Bus Network is focused on delivering an easier to use, more convenient and more reliable bus network informed by its riders by:
Increasing and improving access to opportunity:
Buses are the lifeblood of the SEPTA system. By increasing frequency, simplifying routes, and improving wayfinding, we make the most-used portion of SEPTA’s services better for all – allowing folks to access the entire region for work, leisure or exploration at any time.
Prioritizing an intuitive rider experience through a seamless, simplified system:
A more straightforward network and less patterns means connecting within the bus network and to other modes like Regional Rail or Metro become easier, quicker and better for our customers.
Creating a reliable, predictable system that people can trust:
A more streamlined network that focuses on key corridors makes expectations clear to our customers and easier to operate, making SEPTA a more pleasant experience for all our riders.
Project Updates
| Project | Status |
|---|---|
| Camera-Assisted Transit Enforcement Pilot | Complete ✓ |
| Center City Transit Operations Study | Complete ✓ |
| Chestnut Street Bus Lane | Complete ✓ |
| Direct Bus B | Design |
| Market Street Bus Lane | Complete ✓ |
| Microtransit | Implementation |
| Wissahickon Transportation Center | Complete ✓ |
| Zero-Emission Buses | Pilot |
| New Bus Network | Design |
| Erie Avenue Transit First Study | Planning |
| ePaper Real-Time Information Displays | Pilot |
Building a Best-in-Class Public Transit System
SEPTA’s Five-Year Strategic Plan is our guide for transforming SEPTA from a back-to-basics to best-in-class public transit system. Covering fiscal years 2027 through 2031, it serves as a roadmap for daily action with measurable performance indicators and a commitment to transparently report on our progress.
FAQ
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