Summer 2026 was unlike any other.
Philadelphia welcomed a series of world-class sporting events beginning in May and continuing through August that drew fans, athletes, and visitors from across the nation and around the globe.
Millions of trips. Four months of heightened demand. One city in motion.
SEPTA helped keep Philadelphia connected thanks to reliable service, strategic planning, and seamless access to key venues. Attendees were able to focus on the excitement of events not
the logistics of getting there.
Daily ridership was up 25,128 trips per weekday in June compared to June 2025 and July weekday ridership was up 11,350 trips compared to July 2025.
The 2026 PGA Championship kicked off Philadelphia’s Summer 2026 special events season. More than 200,000 spectators descended on Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square. SEPTA increased service on the Paoli/Thorndale Line resulting in a 25% ridership increase. The greatest percentage increase took place on the final day of the tournament (Sunday, May 17) when Paoli/Thorndale Line ridership was 55% higher than a typical Sunday. Increased service sponsored by the PGA and frictionless entry via contactless payment made it convenient for riders to get to their destination.
The FIFA World Cup hosted six matches in Philadelphia between June and July. Ridership on the B was up on average 80% on match days in the month of June. SEPTA moved an average of 24,910 passengers out of NRG Station after each match which is 41% more than 2025 Eagles season average of 17,683. Free rides home were sponsored by Airbnb after each match.
And it wasn’t just the B that experienced a big bump in ridership thanks to FIFA World Cup fans.
Ecuador vs Ivory Coast on Sunday, June 14: Regional Rail ridership was up 13% compared to typical Sundays. Airport Line ridership was up 17% on Saturday, June 13.
Brazil vs Haiti on Friday, June 19: Regional Rail ridership was up 31% compared to last Juneteenth. Airport Line ridership was up 20% on Saturday, June 20.
France vs Iraq on Monday, June 22: Regional Rail ridership was up 14% compared to typical Mondays in June. Airport Line ridership was up 45% on Sunday, June 21.
Curacao vs Ivory Coast on Thursday, June 25: Regional Rail ridership was up 4% compared to typical Thursdays in June. Airport Line ridership was up 8% on Thursday, June 25.
Croatia vs Ghana on Saturday, June 27: Regional Rail ridership was up 15% compared to typical Saturdays in June. Airport Line ridership was up 21% on Saturday, June 27.
France vs Paraguay on Saturday, July 4: Regional Rail ridership was up 48% compared to last Independence Day. Airport Line ridership was up 20% on Saturday, July 4.
FIFA Fan Festival brought thousands of residents and visitors to Lemon Hill in East Fairmount Park throughout the FIFA World Cup. SEPTA experienced increased ridership for routes (7, 32, 48, 49, and G) serving the fan festival location: up 14% on weekdays; up 21% on Saturdays; and up 35% on Sundays.
July 4th was a massive travel day for SEPTA as Philadelphia hosted celebrations for America’s 250th Birthday with the One Philly: Unity Concert for America, Celebration of Freedom Ceremony, Wawa Welcome America celebrations, and a FIFA World Cup match. SEPTA operated additional transit service to support large volumes of customers despite severe weekend weather.
Several events such as the Semiquincentennial Parade and Salute to Service Concert were cancelled due to extreme heat therefore somewhat reducing transit demand for the day. But Regional Rail ridership was up 48% compared to last Independence Day despite the extreme heat and 5th St/Independence Hall Station on the L experienced double the ridership of a typical Saturday.
Six additional express trains ran on the B to NRG Station before the MLB All-Star Home Run Derby and MLB All-Star Game on top of regular service. Ridership on the B was up 22% compared to typical travel days. SEPTA moved an average of 6,501 passengers out of NRG Station between the two games which is 60% higher than a normal Phillies game. Free rides home were sponsored by DraftKings and PA Lottery.
Regional Rail also saw an increase during MLB All-Star Week. Regional Rail ridership for Monday, July 13 was up 9% compared to typical Mondays in 2025 and up 7% on Tuesday, July 14. Airport Line ridership was up 21% on July 13 and 5% on July 14.
The 126th U.S. Amateur Championship concluded Philadelphia’s Summer 2026 special events season. More than 20,000 spectators visited Merion Golf Club for the tournament. Service on the M was increased to run every 20 minutes on Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16. SEPTA moved an additional thousand passengers per day during the final three days of the tournament on the M. Ridership was up 32% on Saturday, August 15 compared to typical Saturdays this summer. Ridership was not as high on Sunday, August 16 due to inclement weather but was still up 8% compared to typical Sundays this summer.
SEPTA stands behind every trip, every arrival, and every unforgettable moment!
Thanks for riding!