Bus ridership for September 2026 was up 14% compared to this time last year. Routes that were changed for Phase 1 of the New Bus Network experienced a strong increase in average weekday and weekend ridership.
Ridership growth was particularly strong for routes that were extended or had improvements to frequencies. Frequency improvements across multiple routes better aligns service with where people are traveling today.
More night and weekend service
Weekend travel has grown by 12% on Saturdays and 18% on Sundays compared to September 2025. This is a result of frequency improvements across multiple routes that better aligns service with where people are traveling. The routes with improved frequencies have experienced a 12% spike in ridership on weekdays, 16% on Saturdays, and 13% on Sundays.
New routes to new places
Route extensions stretch the physical footprint of the network by lengthening existing corridors to connect passengers directly to employment centers and transit hubs. Routes that have been extended have grown by an average of 16% on weekdays, 21% on Saturdays, and 23% on Sundays.
The launch of Routes 72 and 76 expand geographic access and capture immediate demand. Route 72 brings brand-new service to the Cheltenham Av corridor and links Frankford Transit Center to Cedarbrook Plaza. Route 72 ridership has grown 40% since the first week of service with an average weekday ridership of 765. Route 76 provides new connections between North and South Philadelphia. Route 76 ridership has grown 20% since the first week with an average weekday ridership of 945.
Learn more in the New Bus Network 30 Day Performance Report (PDF).