Every Earth Day, SEPTA reflects on the meaningful actions we’re taking to reduce our environmental impact and operate more efficiently. Some improvements are easy for riders to see—like upgraded infrastructure, modernized facilities, and cleaner more advanced fleet technologies. Others happen behind the scenes strengthening daily operations and improving long‑term performance.
The project summaries below spotlight systemwide efforts that improve reliability, build long‑term resilience, and support the responsible use of resources. Collectively they illustrate how sustainability is shaping the way we plan, invest, and deliver services across the region.
Wissahickon Transit Center (opened December 2025)
The Wissahickon Transit Center represents one of SEPTA’s most significant green infrastructure investments to date, transforming a previously 100% impervious 3.3‑acre site into a climate‑resilient, stormwater‑managing, environmentally restorative transit hub. The project incorporates a 0.8‑acre green roof and five rain gardens totaling 0.26 acres, together diverting an estimated 1.8 million gallons of stormwater annually from the Schuylkill River watershed.
These features reduce runoff pollution, limit flooding, cool heat‑prone areas, and support native pollinators and wildlife. New vegetation lowers surface temperatures, improves the operator facility’s energy performance, and offers shaded, resilient public space for riders. By replacing pavement with greened acreage and applying best‑practice BMPs, the WTC enhances environmental quality in Northwest Philadelphia and advances SEPTA’s goals for stormwater reduction, climate adaptation, ecosystem health, and equitable green‑space access.
Ballast Car Solar Retrofit
SEPTA’s Ballast Car Solar Retrofit Project converts two formerly scrap‑bound ballast cars into solar‑powered, remote‑controlled units, eliminating the need for rotary dump truck deliveries. Each retrofitted car replaces 10 diesel dump trucks avoiding 4,708 gallons of fuel annually and significantly reducing emissions and neighborhood truck traffic. The project diverts 80 tons of metal from the waste stream, integrates dual 100W solar panels for zero‑emission gate operation, and improves worker safety by removing staff from hazardous manual dumping. These efficiencies reduce pollution, protect track‑adjacent environmental justice communities from diesel exposure and noise, and support SEPTA’s broader climate, circularity, and resiliency goals.
Wyoming Complex Stormwater Retrofit Project
The Wyoming Complex Stormwater Retrofit features 10 rain gardens, 3 subsurface detention basins, and 5 oil‑and‑grit separators that collectively manage and treat stormwater from nearly 15 acres of the site. These upgrades replace aging drainage infrastructure while expanding landscaped and vegetated areas, reducing impervious surfaces, capturing and filtering runoff, and improving overall water quality and infiltration.
Midvale Green Shield & Fencing Project
The Midvale Green Shield & Fencing Project improves the environmental conditions around the Midvale Bus Depot by installing a green buffer—including native, low‑maintenance vegetation along Roberts and Wissahickon Avenues. Plantings include 78 trees, 32 shrubs, over 1,000 perennials, plants and grasses, and native seed mix on almost a half an acre of land. These enhance canopy cover, air quality, soil stability, and visual screening of depot operations.
Improvements include estate fencing, regrading and pervious planting areas to reduce stormwater runoff and improve infiltration. By preserving existing walls, sidewalks, and trees where possible, the project avoids unnecessary demolition and embodies a lower‑carbon approach.
Together, these upgrades create a resilient “green shield” that strengthens stormwater management, reduces operational impacts, improves neighborhood aesthetics, and supports SEPTA’s broader sustainability and community‑quality‑of‑life goals.
Elk Hill Solar Project (Elk Hill 1 & 2 Solar Farms)
SEPTA’s off‑site solar farm, Elk Hill, located in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, delivers 42 megawatts of renewable energy while generating meaningful revenue for the Authority. Producing up to 64 gigawatt‑hours of electricity annually, Elk Hill offsets approximately 16% of SEPTA’s total electricity needs. Because SEPTA’s trains, subways, and trolleys operate entirely on electricity, this clean energy directly supports more sustainable, lower‑emission commutes for our riders.
Since coming online in 2021, Elk Hill has generated over a million dollars in net revenue, reinforcing the project’s value as both an environmental and financial asset. Sustainability extends beyond energy production: the site is planted with pollinator‑friendly seed mixes, including native wildflowers and clover. In partnership with Lightsource bp, SEPTA supports environmentally responsible land management by working with a local farmer to use sheep grazing to maintain vegetation beneath and around the solar panels.
125 Buses with Integrated Stroller Spot (launched May 2025)
Introduced a dedicated stroller zone on 125 buses, making boarding safer, smoother, and more convenient for families. This space is fully separate from ADA seating to maintain accessibility while providing reliable accommodation for riders traveling with young children. The change enhances safety, accessibility, and overall customer experience—encouraging more families to choose transit over driving. It also supports more equitable, multimodal mobility, a key strategy for reducing car dependency and associated emissions. By optimizing interior space without increasing a vehicle’s environmental footprint, the project strengthens operational efficiency while advancing SEPTA’s sustainability goals.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Bus Pilot (Launched Summer 2025)
SEPTA is testing 10 hydrogen fuel cell buses as part of its transition to a zero‑emission fleet. These buses produce only water vapor at the tailpipe and offer a cleaner alternative to diesel. The pilot provides essential data on performance and infrastructure needs, helping SEPTA determine the right mix of hydrogen and battery‑electric technologies to reduce greenhouse‑gas emissions system‑wide.
SEPTA’s Earth Day Celebration is happening on April 22 from 11 AM to 2 PM at 1234 Market Street—and everyone’s invited! Stop by for fun, interactive displays and a chance to see how we’re moving sustainability forward.
We’re energized by the work underway to position SEPTA as a best‑in‑class leader in sustainable transit and long‑term system stewardship. Thank you for championing these efforts and helping us keep raising the bar for what a modern, forward‑thinking transit system can deliver.