A quick look back at some of the highlights – and honorable mentions – from 2022!
1. New Ways to Pay
We kicked-off 2022 by announcing you could use a credit card to to purchase a Quick Trip or to add money to your Travel Wallet ONBOARD Regional Rail trains! Big news for those of you that prefer to go cashless!
In October – we introduced the One Day FleX Pass. The One Day Independence Pass has always been a great option for occasional or infrequent riders and those visiting the region but we learned that riders like options – and that we need a pass – still valid on all modes – but better suited for those taking trips outside Center City – but still IN the city. Think Center City to Chestnut Hill or Center City to Manayunk. The NEW One Day Neighborhood FleX Pass is built for riders traveling shorter distances on Regional Rail. This pass costs $10 – and it can be used for up to 10 rides on buses, subways, trolleys, and up to any Zone 2 Regional Rail station(s) in a single day. For the diehard One Day Independence Pass lovers/users – it still exists but is now called the One Day Anywhere FleX Pass! This pass still costs $13 – and it can be used for up to 10 rides on buses, subways, trolleys, and to any Regional Rail station(s) in a single day. Both the One Day Neighborhood FleX Pass and One Day Anywhere FleX are available to load on a SEPTA Key card – and if you load (aka bundle) three passes at a time – you save 10%!
And in December – we launched SEPTA Key Tix – a mobile ticketing pilot program that offers riders an easy-to-use option to purchase fares for one or more people using a smartphone. SEPTA Key Tix is available in the SEPTA App and is valid for trips on buses, trolleys, the Broad Street Line, Market-Frankford Line, and Norristown High Speed Line. The Authority plans to expand the program to Regional Rail in 2023. Customers can use a credit or debit card to download a QR-code “ticket” that can be read at fareboxes and turnstiles. SEPTA Key Tix gives families and friends traveling together the capability to scan once and pay fares for up to five riders using a single barcode. This program does not replace SEPTA Key cards – but instead provides a simple solution for occasional riders without a SEPTA Key card that want to enjoy the same benefits as cardholders – including a $2 fare and one free transfer per transit trip.
2. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)/Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL)
In January 2022 – SEPTA played host to U.S. Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon who held a press conference to celebrate the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) – also referred to as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The cause for Rep. Scanlon’s visit is something to celebrate – the recent passage of the federal IIJA means that SEPTA will receive an additional $100 million in capital funding annually for the next four years. This increase in capital funding empowers us at SEPTA to make significant progress on our over $4 billion backlog in maintenance and vehicle replacement needs. We are eager to quickly put these funds to work for our customers and the communities we serve.
In February – SEPTA joined Congresswoman Madeleine Dean, PennDOT, and other local officials at Noble Station on the West Trenton Line to discuss the replacement of Noble Bridge (Old York Road over the railroad tracks) and infrastructure projects made possible with the passage of IIJA. Station accessibility is a very important part of SEPTA’s capital program and it will be one of our leading priorities in deploying our IIJA funding.
In March – Congressman Dwight Evans and Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon announced a $9.8 million federal grant for SEPTA thanks to IIJA to design and construct two dedicated end-of-route bus layover facilities at two locations in South Philadelphia. Together these locations will serve a total of nine bus routes – five east-west and four north-south bus routes. The new facilities will include disability-accessible bus stops with benches, shelters, signage, lighting, safety enhancements, and bathroom facilities for SEPTA bus operators.
Also in March – SEPTA’s Board approved an amended Capital Budget for the current fiscal year to add the funding that has been made available IIJA. The Board’s approval came after public hearings were held on the proposed amendment. The funding increases the Fiscal Year 2022 Capital Budget from $618.85 million to $713.85 million. SEPTA’s Fiscal Year covers the 12-month period from July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022.
In August – the FTA announced $1.66 billion in grants to transit agencies, territories, and states across the country to invest in 150 bus fleets and facilities. The bus grant awards – made under FTA’s Buses and Bus Facilities and Low- and No-Emission Vehicle programs – are FTA’s first competitive grant selections under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The programs support the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to expand our nation’s transportation infrastructure, create and maintain good-paying jobs, and fight climate change. SEPTA will receive $23,360,000 in funding to improve bus depots, including redundant power feeders, backup generators, and electrical substations. This project will support our transition to a fleet of entirely zero-emission vehicles.
In September – SEPTA General Manager/CEO Leslie Richards was joined by Senator Casey, Congressman Evans, and Associate Administrator Kincaid at SEPTA’s Allegheny Bus District to celebrate this largest single infrastructure grant SEPTA has ever received. This Low No grant will allow SEPTA to modernize electrical infrastructure at three of our bus districts – Allegheny, Comly, and Callowhill – by bringing redundant power feeds to each facility and installing backup generators and electrical substations. Together – these electrical utility upgrades will ensure that SEPTA can power its future zero-emission fleet in the event of an ordinary or catastrophic power failure.
Year 2 of Bus Revolution was eventful!
After hearing from riders and stakeholders on bus network trade-offs – the project team took a deep dive into the current state of the SEPTA Bus Network and the region and published four reports: Executive Summary, State of the System, Market Analysis, and Interactive Map Library.
After this detailed look – they continued to take rider feedback on the new existing conditions reports and route profiles on the project website – which ultimately led to two draft bus network redesign options released in April 2022.
In October 2022 – the Bus Revolution team released the Proposed Draft Bus Network – the result of public input SEPTA received regarding the two different options released in April. The draft network balances the best qualities of the two scenarios by increasing the number of frequent routes in the system (routes running 15 minutes or better between 6AM and 9PM, seven days a week) while still preserving some of the options that survey respondents indicated they wanted in earlier phases of the project. Core to the draft network is reflecting the project’s goals: Put the Rider First, Increase Access to Opportunity, Build Trust with Reliable Service.
To ensure robust public engagement – the Bus Revolution team held in-person Open Houses and virtual Community Conversations in October, November, and December – alongside online tools, focus groups, and stakeholder sessions.
4. COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics
SEPTA hosted COVID-19 vaccine clinics at 69th Street Transportation Center on select Thursdays throughout 2022. These clinics were thanks to a partnership with Delaware County Council and Delaware County COVID-19 Task Force.
5. Richard Allen Lane Station
In February – the City of Philadelphia made history and took a stand against racial injustice in West Mt. Airy. The street formerly known as Allen Lane was officially renamed and dedicated to Richard Allen in honor of his contributions to racial justice in Philadelphia.
Because we believe our stations to be more than transient places – they are a wonderful way to share our values through public art, tell stories, and allow people to lean and be inspired with each trip – SEPTA is proud to follow the lead of City Council and Representative Chris Rabb to rename Allen Lane Station on the Chestnut Hill West Line in Richard Allen’s honor.
In June – SEPTA General Manager/CEO Leslie S. Richards joined Pennsylvania State Representative Christopher M. Rabb and leaders of First Episcopal District AME Church to showcase the design of forthcoming historical panels honoring the memory and accomplishments of minister Richard Allen. SEPTA worked with leaders of First Episcopal District AME Church to design the 2’x 3’ decorative panels which tell the story of Allen’s contributions to racial justice in Philadelphia as a preacher during the late 18th century.
In October – SEPTA gathered with elected officials and community leaders to celebrate the renaming of Richard Allen Lane Station and to officially unveil and dedicate the panels which are located in the garden area of the outbound side of SEPTA’s Chestnut Hill West Regional Rail Station.
6. Outreach Specialists
In February – SEPTA’s Board approved a new program that will add “Outreach Specialists” to serve as ambassadors on the system. Up to 88 Specialists will be assigned to stations and vehicles along the Broad Street and Market-Frankford Lines as well as the concourses in Center City. SEPTA committed to provide specialized training to ensure they are equipped with the necessary resources to best serve riders. The Specialists will remind customers about the rules for riding, assist destination-less riders, and contact police when needed. They will also eventually take over the responsibilities of opening and closing the subway stations which will allow police officers to conduct more patrols during the overnight hours.
The Specialists were officially deployed in May 2022. SEPTA partnered with three security firms to staff the 88 positions.
The Outreach Specialists are part of SEPTA’s SCOPE (Safety, Cleaning, Ownership, Partnerships and Engagement) initiative which launched in 2021 to help with outreach to members of the vulnerable population who seek refuge on the system. They are an added visible presence to reduce quality-of-live complaints and make the system more welcoming and most importantly – make our customers and employees feel safer.
SEPTA’s collaboration with Cabrini University’s Health Navigators further supports the creation of a safe environment for our employees and customers. Students from Cabrini’s Health and Exercise Science curriculum gain valuable real-world experience addressing the challenges of individuals experiencing the daily crisis of housing and mental health issues and addiction in and around Norristown Transportation Center. The students engage the vulnerable population and connect them with services they need – such as housing, and treatment for mental illness and drug addiction.
In July 2022 – the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) honored nine organizations – including SEPTA – and leaders with awards for their vision, leadership, and commitment to public transportation. SEPTA was honored to receive the American Public Transportation Association Innovation Award for our approach to outreach and the vulnerable population.
“We are truly honored to receive this national recognition,” said SEPTA General Manager/CEO Leslie Richards. “Homelessness, substance use, and mental illness are huge societal problems which we cannot afford to ignore. I am proud of the comprehensive, holistic approach we have taken at SEPTA and I am grateful to the SCOPE team and to Kenneth A. Divers who has been driving SEPTA’s vision and mobilizing the support of homeless service providers, government agencies, nonprofits, community organizations, academic groups and others to partner with us.”
7. American Rescue Plan Funding
At a press conference in March 2022 – U.S. Senator Bob Casey announced SEPTA will be receiving $96,017,640 in new funding from the American Rescue Plan. The American Rescue Plan – passed in March 2021 – provided relief to families, businesses, local governments and others to help ease the burdens of the COVID-19 pandemic. This additional emergency operating assistance is vital to SEPTA’s future and our ability to maintain service and fulfill our commitments to our customers. We continue to be very grateful to Senator Casey and the Members of our regional Congressional delegation who worked to ensure that this critical emergency operating assistance grant funding was available to support SEPTA’s operations for our riders and the communities we serve. We appreciate their leadership and thank them for making transit a priority in the nation’s coronavirus recovery.
In June 2022 – the FTA announced fifty transit agencies across 24 states will share $25 million to help restore and improve service that has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant awards were funded by President Biden’s American Rescue Plan and will help provide Americans in communities across the country with better transit service including expanded routes, Bus Rapid Transit, and on-demand service. SEPTA – in conjunction with the City of Philadelphia – received $500,000 to identify, study, and develop transportation improvements for the North Philadelphia West neighborhood between 18th and 33rd Street and Lehigh and Girard Avenue – an area of roughly two square miles. This area is served by nine bus routes with service concentrated on seven primary transit corridors.
As part of its ongoing commitment to provide a safe and clean traveling environment – SEPTA is piloting a new system to provide customers with real-time information about the cleanliness status of the vehicles in which they are traveling. SEPTA partnered with a local mobility company – Locus Mobility – to roll out the SITE (Sanitary Interior Travel Environment) program. The pilot launched Monday, March 14, 2022 on SEPTA’s Trackless Trolley fleet – Routes 59, 66 and 75. SITE – a platform created by Locus Mobility – is designed to help public transportation providers manage their cleaning protocols and give customers confidence that vehicles are cleaned frequently and thoroughly.
9. SEPTA Key Advantage
In April 2022 – SEPTA launched a pass program to help bolster an inclusive recovery for the region. SEPTA Key Advantage allows participating organizations to acquire SEPTA Key cards directly from the Authority and distribute them to employees. Phase I of the program was a six-month pilot with three introductory partners – Drexel University, Penn Medicine, and Wawa stores in the city of Philadelphia. Just like the Monthly Anywhere TrailPass – SEPTA Key Advantage passes can be used on all SEPTA modes including Regional Rail, Market-Frankford Line, Broad Street Line, Norristown High Speed Line, and city and suburban buses and trolleys. The passes will be automatically reloaded each month for the six-month period.
After a successful launch [aka Phase I] – SEPTA expanded SEPTA Key Advantage after SEPTA’s Board approved Operating and Capital Budget proposals for Fiscal Year 2023 including a tariff change to make the program permanent – thus allowing for the expansion. The Authority is inviting more organizations – beginning with employers with 500 or more employees – to participate in this revolutionary initiative that is bolstering an inclusive recovery for the region.
FMC Corporation – an agricultural sciences company globally headquartered in Philadelphia – is the first employer to join the program since the expansion.
“We are excited to see a strong demand for this program,” said SEPTA General Manager and CEO Leslie S. Richards. “We appreciate the support from FMC and look forward to extending the benefits of SEPTA Key Advantage to more institutions.”
Effective December 31, 2022 – Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code will require large employers in Philadelphia to offer a mass transit program to covered employees. Commuter benefits allow employees to save by setting aside money tax-free from their paychecks every month to spend on public transportation and carpool expenses. Employers can offer an employee-paid, pre-tax payroll deduction, or provide an employer-paid direct benefit such as a public transit key card or transportation shuttle.
“SEPTA is critical to the recovery of the city and region. We have made significant investments in safety and security, enhanced cleaning efforts, increased service levels and restructured fares to make travel more affordable and equitable,” said SEPTA General Manager/CEO Leslie S. Richards. “With the SEPTA Key Advantage and Key Commuter Programs in place – we have great options for businesses to offer transit as a benefit to their employees.”
10. Climb Aboard the Reading Express
In April 2022 – early literacy advocates in Philadelphia unveiled the country’s largest effort to turn high-traffic public transit spaces and to transform public transit commutes into fun interactive learning experiences for children. Partners in this campaign included Read by 4th, the Free Library of Philadelphia, William Penn Foundation, and SEPTA. The campaign spanned over two subway stations on the Broad Street Line (Tasker-Morris in South Philadelphia and Erie in North Philadelphia), 36 buses, 70 bus shelters, two subway cars, and hundreds of subway and rail signs across the city. All signage was at children’s eye level to invite them to come aboard the reading promise adventure.
The campaign caught the attention of the Clinton Foundation and a visit from Chelsea Clinton herself!
In May 2022 – SEPTA released the Request for Proposals (RFP) for modern, accessible trolley vehicles to replace the entire existing fleet of trolleys. This begins the trolley vehicle acquisition process with manufacturers — a major step forward for Trolley Modernization. Trolley Modernization is a once in a generation opportunity to transform the nation’s largest trolley network, delivering benefits across the region and creating a “lifestyle transit network” connecting to destinations by providing accessible, fast, and easy service on the trolley system. The current trolley vehicles have served riders since the 1980s. The new trolleys will be fully accessible to people with disabilities and have higher capacity to move more passengers. The new fleet will have low floors and ramps; wider pathways; audio and visual messaging systems to communicate upcoming stops and service changes; and designated open space for people with wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers.
In September – the Trolley Modernization project team released the design concepts for the new trolley stations that are a part of the Trolley Modernization Program. These new design concepts build on input from more than 5,000 respondents who provided feedback on what trolley stations should include and how they can fit in with their surrounding communities. What we heard most frequently – riders want more protection from the sun, wind, and rain.
In December – the station design concepts were updated based on preferences and SEPTA’s standards and released for review. This station design will be implemented across the City of Philadelphia and Delaware County in the future to ensure an easy, accessible, and faster trolley ride.
Also of note – in September 2022 – the SEPTA Board approved the acquisition of a 13-acre property in southwest Philadelphia for SEPTA’s Trolley Modernization Program. Acquiring the property at 5100 Grays Avenue will secure a potential site for a new facility that is centrally located and large enough to accommodate the anticipated future fleet of articulated, ADA accessible trolleys. The property has an existing structure that can be adapted to SEPTA’s use as a facility and has sufficient additional land area to support the planned yard and employee parking. In addition – SEPTA’s existing trolley tracks are immediately adjacent to the roadside of the property.
12. Equity in Infrastructure Project
The Equity in Infrastructure Project (EIP) launched in April 2022 to improve public contracting practices by creating more opportunities for Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs) to build generational wealth and reduce the racial wealth gap by creating more prime, joint venture, and equity contracting opportunities for these firms. Through its Pledge – EIP works to secure commitments from public agencies to increase the number, size, and scope of contracts going to HUBs by facilitating access and reducing barriers to compete for business. SEPTA is one of the first five agencies that have already committed to equity in infrastructure to EIP’s pledge along with the Chicago Transit Authority, Denver International Airport, Port of Long Beach, and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.
“Who we contract with has always mattered in our efforts to advance equity. At this moment, we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create generational wealth for small, minority and women-owned firms in the infrastructure space,” said SEPTA General Manager/CEO Leslie S. Richards. “SEPTA is not only committed – we’re excited to take this Pledge.”
In June 2022 – SEPTA General Manager/CEO Leslie Richards joined Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney to sign the Pledge as part of the Equity in Infrastructure Project (EIP).
13. Accessible Travel Center’s (ATC) 10th Anniversary
In April 2022 – SEPTA celebrated the Accessible Travel Center’s (ATC) 10th Anniversary which happened to fall during National Occupational Therapy Awareness Month. Pennsylvania State Senator Christine Tartaglione was on hand to present a citation to recognize SEPTA’s efforts. The ATC has been helping seniors and persons with disabilities learn to use SEPTA since 2012. The Center is located in Room 109 of Suburban Station. It is a place where people with disabilities and students on the autism spectrum to familiarize themselves with SEPTA vehicles and practice riding public transportation before venturing out on the real thing. The ATC has a life-sized simulation of a SEPTA bus, fare gates, and mock-ups of a Market-Frankford Line car and a Regional Rail train.
The Accessible Travel Center recently received the Fieldwork Educator of the Year Award for the outstanding work that occupational therapists Catherine Fleming and Amy Raphael have done with graduate-level OT students. The award was from the Philadelphia Occupational Therapy Fieldwork Consortium – representing Gwynedd Mercy University, Harcum College, Salus University, Stockton University, Temple University, Jefferson University, University of the Sciences, and Widener University.
14. Fiscal Year 2023 Operating & Capital Budgets
On Thursday, June 23, 2022 – SEPTA’s Board approved Operating and Capital Budget proposals for Fiscal Year 2023 – advancing plans to fund everyday operations and major improvement projects.
The $1.61 billion Operating Budget included no fare increases and riders can continue to benefit from fare adjustments enacted during the pandemic – including one free transfer per trip on Transit modes and free rides for children 11 and under. And – select fares decreased beginning July 1, 2022 – including decreases for the One Day Convenience Pass and Three Day Convenience Pass.
The FY23 Capital Budget is a record-breaking plan – the first to break the billion-dollar mark. The Capital Program will transform SEPTA’s legacy system into a lifestyle network that can be easily used for any type of trip – not just traditional 9-to-5 commutes to work. Doing so will be game-changing for our climate, social equity, and quality of life in the Philadelphia region. Building a Lifestyle Network explains how each of SEPTA’s ongoing projects – from Bus Revolution and Reimagining Regional Rail to Trolley Modernization, King of Prussia Rail, SEPTA Key 2.0, and more – are working towards that vision.
SEPTA received a top transit industry award for the presentation of its Fiscal Year 2023 Operating Budget which has been recognized for its detail, clarity, and transparency. For the eighteenth consecutive year – SEPTA’s Operating Budget earned the “Distinguished Budget Presentation Award” from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada. SEPTA has enhanced its budget document over the years – supplementing core data with charts and graphs to help explain details about funding, revenue, and expenses. The Fiscal Year 2023 Operating Budget included a new intro section emphasizing SEPTA’s value proposition to the region, key performance indicators on industry best practices, and streamlined sections for easier-to-understand descriptions of basis-for-budgeting practices. A one-page highlights sheet and a recording of the budget hearing were also shared online as additional resources for the public.
15. Wawa Station
SEPTA’s newest Regional Rail station – located at 1490 W. Baltimore Pike – bears the name of a hometown institution thanks to a naming rights agreement. The partnership with Wawa is SEPTA’s fifth major naming rights agreement since 2010.
The new Wawa Station officially opened for service on Sunday, August 21, 2022 and was an important milestone for SEPTA’s multi-year project to restore more than 3.5 miles of Regional Rail service west of Elwyn. SEPTA trains last served this area in 1986. It is also the first new SEPTA Regional Rail service extension since the Airport Line began operating in 1985.
16. Tasker-Morris Groundbreaking
On Wednesday, September 28, 2022 – SEPTA gathered with elected officials and other stakeholders at Tasker-Morris Station to break ground for a new project that will make the South Philadelphia Broad Street Line station fully accessible, and deliver modern amenities for riders. A key element of the $19 million project is providing elevator access from street level to the mezzanine level and a second elevator to the platform below. This will make the station fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
“Thanks to funding from the Commonwealth and the City of Philadelphia – we are making investments that will improve mobility and enhance access and support the communities we serve,” said SEPTA General Manager/CEO Leslie S. Richards. “This project is helping to revitalize a critical station and we look forward to delivering more improvements on the line in the near future.”
17. Leading the Way: SEPTA’s Response to Safety and Security
In October 2022 – SEPTA released a comprehensive plan – Leading the Way: SEPTA’s Response to Safety and Security – detailing its ongoing strategy for addressing safety, security, and the challenges of the vulnerable population on the system. The new strategic plan lays out in detail what the problems facing the Authority are, where they are on the system, and what SEPTA is doing about them. It also shows what every individual – from riders and employees to policymakers and the business community — can do to help.
18. Shop SEPTA Online
As of October 2022 – you can shop SEPTA anytime – anywhere – at shop.septa.org! The online SEPTA Store offers an assortment of SEPTA signature merchandise – including Philadelphia bus, trolley, metro, and train memorabilia!
19. MFL 100
In November 2022 – SEPTA and Philadelphia city officials marked a significant milestone of the Market-Frankford Line with a special celebration for the 100th Anniversary of the Frankford section of the MFL.
20. ZeroEyes
ZeroEyes – creators of the only A.I.-based gun detection video analytics platform that holds the U.S. Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act Designation – and SEPTA announced in November that the Authority has selected ZeroEyes for a pilot program designed to reduce the likelihood of gun-related violence on train platforms. SEPTA is the first major transit system to deploy ZeroEyes’ solution which is used by the U.S. Department of Defense, public school districts and universities, Fortune 500 corporate campuses, and many other organizations across more than 30 states.
Layered on top of SEPTA’s existing 30,000+ security cameras – ZeroEyes’ proprietary software will identify brandished guns and alert safety personnel and local law enforcement within three to five seconds. The pilot program will utilize cameras at stations along the Market-Frankford and Broad Street Lines.
On December 15, 2022 – SEPTA joined representatives from the City of Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Police Department, and the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office for the announcement of a $50M grant for our city – of which SEPTA will receive $5M. While serious crimes are rare on SEPTA – one incident is one too many – our customers and employees are not immune to the epidemic of gun violence. Funding assistance through the new Gun Violence Investigation and Prosecution grant will allow SEPTA to conduct a broader assessment of ZeroEyes capabilities while funding additional Transit Police personnel needed to respond to alerts and assist prosecutions.
We thank the General Assembly – and the leadership of Senator Hughes and Senator McClinton – for providing additional resources to support SEPTA’s comprehensive and proactive safety and security efforts.
21. All Stations Accessibility Program Grant
SEPTA has been awarded $56,050,000 in federal funding to improve station accessibility on the Broad Street and Market-Frankford Lines the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and members of Pennsylvania’s southeast Congressional delegation announced – December 19, 2022. The funding is the first grant awarded through the FTA’s All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP) which was created in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act – the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signed into law last November. ASAP grant funding will allow SEPTA to construct accessibility improvements at five Broad Street Line Stations – Chinatown, Erie, Fairmount, Fairmount (Broad-Ridge Spur) and Snyder – and 11th Street Station on the Market-Frankford Line which were all built at least 50 years before the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
With funding – SEPTA will bring all six stations into full compliance with the ADA. Each station will be retrofitted with elevators to take customers between street level and station mezzanines and platforms. Additional accessibility enhancements will include the construction of ADA-compliant ramps, curb and sidewalk modifications, the creation of accessible paths of travel, and the reconfiguration of cashier booths to ensure that each station is fully accessible.
22. Elk Hill Solar 1
A 25 megawatt solar project that is helping advance energy and sustainability priorities for SEPTA has reached commercial operation. The project is one of two solar farms that SEPTA and Lightsource bp have partnered on – bringing their joint statewide operational solar assets to more than 42 megawatts – enough to meet about 20% of SEPTA’s electricity demand.
“SEPTA is proud to be an industry leader in utilizing new technologies that are reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing the quality of life for our customers and the communities we serve,” said Leslie S. Richards, SEPTA General Manager/CEO. “One of the main goals of our strategic business plan – SEPTA Forward – is to enhance sustainability and expand our access to renewable energy sources. We have taken a major step forward with these solar farms and we look forward to launching more innovative projects and partnerships.”
Elk Hill Solar 1 – developed under a power purchase agreement between SEPTA and Lightsource bp – will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 28,000 metric tons of CO2 annually which is equivalent to offsetting the emissions of 6,160 fuel burning cars. The solar farm also supports Pennsylvania’s clean energy goals – helping to lower carbon emissions while diversifying the state’s energy portfolio and increasing energy security with locally generated electricity.
Honorable Mentions
Blossom at Bartram! Complete Streets Project
Our Blossom at Bartram! Complete Streets Project was in full bloom in 2022! We’re making a plan to improve safety for people along a segment of the route 36 trolley in Southwest Philadelphia. This project is part of Trolley Modernization – SEPTA’s long-term program to improve service with new, accessible trolleys and on-street stations. In November – The Blossom at Bartram! Complete Streets Project hit the road to share the final roadway design for Grays Avenue and Lindbergh Boulevard – including new trolley stations, safer places to cross the street, and more!
A Wedding on the Paoli/Thorndale Line
A local couple is starting their marriage on the right track – a train track that is! SEPTA hosted the wedding of Autumn and Steve on Sunday, May 1, 2022. After a luncheon at the Station Tap Room in Downingtown – the happy couple and their guests made their way to Downingtown Station on the Paoli/Thorndale Line. Between Downingtown and Center City – Autumn and Steve actually exchanged vows on the train – in front of over 50 guests! The celebration continued all the way to Suburban Station – where they danced their first dance as husband and wife to the sounds of SNACKTIME.
Coldplay brought their Music Of The Spheres Tour to Lincoln Financial Field on Wednesday, June 8, 2022. They pledged TO MAKE THIS TOUR AS SUSTAINABLE AND LOW-CARBON AS POSSIBLE – including encouraging fans to use low carbon transportation to and from shows! Which is why Coldplay partnered with SEPTA to provide FREE RIDES HOME FROM THE SHOW from NRG Station on the Broad Street Line because not only is the Broad Street Line fully-electrified – meaning NO CARBON EMISSIONS – it also captures and reuses energy generated by braking subway cars thanks to a battery storage network!
In June – SEPTA Bus Operators and maintenance workers put their skills to the test in a fierce – but friendly competition during the 2022 SEPTA Bus & Maintenance Roadeo. The overall winner of the event was Antonio Laws. Laws will now go on to represent SEPTA in the International Bus Roadeo in Minneapolis in April 2023.
Art in Transit
In July – SEPTA and Mural Arts Philadelphia debuted a series of murals in Suburban Station created by Mural Arts’ Color Me Back program. The murals titled “A Distant Spark: Iterations 1-5” and “A Blinding Light: Iterations 1-5” by artist Andrea Grasso connect with an initiative managed by Mural Arts’ Porch Light community wellness program that combines participatory art making and access to social services in a unique model offering individuals who are experiencing economic insecurity an opportunity to earn wages.
betPARX Casino & Sportsbook – one of the leading mobile Casino and Sportsbook apps – is ensuring Eagles fans get home safely this football season by partnering with SEPTA to provide free rides home from NRG Station on the Broad Street Line after every Eagles home game this season. The Free Rides Program is aimed at offering a safe and convenient post-game travel options for fans.
Charles Blockson Historical Panels at Elm Street Station
In August 2022 – SEPTA unveiled new historical panels at Elm Street Station on the Manayunk/Norristown Line that pay tribute to Charles L. Blockson – a nationally recognized expert on the Underground Railroad, historian, author, and bibliophile. Elm Street Station is located in Norristown where Mr. Blockson was born and raised and to which he has dedicated his life-long civic and scholarly endeavors. The new installation at Elm Street Station also tells the story of Norristown’s important role in the Underground Railroad and the abolition movement and continues SEPTA’s ongoing efforts to highlight the important histories and milestones of the communities it serves. Mr. Blockson – now 88 years old – was present at the ceremony.
We can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2023! Thanks for taking this ride with us!