PHILADELPHIA (October 22, 2026) – SEPTA’s systemwide average daily ridership for September exceeded 822,000 across all modes – the highest level since February 2020.
According to the new data, September also marked the seventh consecutive month of year-over-year ridership increases. Ridership is up 8% compared to September 2025.
“Our focus on the fundamentals has raised our standards, and riders are noticing the difference,” said SEPTA General Manager Scott A. Sauer. “They are seeing cleaner stations and vehicles, the system feels safer, and it is becoming easier to use and more accessible. We will continue to prioritize what matters most – safety, security, cleanliness and reliability – as we work to become a best-in-class transit system that will lead our region going forward.”
Bus ridership is up 14% compared to this time last year. Routes that were changed for Phase 1 of the New Bus Network experienced a strong 7% increase in average weekday ridership, and weekend travel has grown by 12% on Saturdays and 18% on Sundays.
Ridership growth was particularly strong for routes that were extended or had improvements to frequencies. Frequency improvements across multiple routes, particularly on weekends, better aligns service with where people are traveling today.
New Bus Network is part of Accelerate – SEPTA’s vision for safe, reliable and accessible service. The Authority is investing in new transit centers for bus riders and increasing the number of frequent bus routes – more than doubling the number of people within a quarter mile of “show up and go” service.
The New Bus Network 30 Day Performance Report (PDF) and September 2026 Monthly Ridership Report (PDF) are on SEPTA.org.