Beginning today, that’s what SEPTA Regional Rail riders will hear as their trains pull into the former Market East Station, when it officially becomes Jefferson Station. The change is the result of a naming rights contract between Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals and Titan, which sells advertising at SEPTA stations, on vehicles and other Authority properties. Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience, The Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University and numerous Jefferson physicians’ offices are located in Center City Philadelphia, just blocks away from Jefferson Station.
“Jefferson Station is a major transportation hub for Philadelphia area residents who are patients, employees and students of nearby Jefferson Health System facilities and Thomas Jefferson University,” said SEPTA General Manager Joseph M. Casey. “Because so many people use SEPTA to get to their Jefferson destination, renaming the station is a natural fit.”
As a result of the renaming contract, SEPTA commuters will see new signage designating Jefferson Station beginning today. Conductors on all trains and electronic announcements on SEPTA’s Silverliner V trains will also call out Jefferson Station.
When considering the partnership with SEPTA, Jefferson selected Market East so their patients, referring physicians and future healthcare leaders would find it easier to travel to their Center City campus.
“We’re transforming ourselves and we’re creating bold new partnerships that deliver a very exciting and different future for Jefferson, for our patients and students,” said Stephen Klasko, President and CEO of Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health System “We want everyone to know it and see it every day when they pass through this station.”
The Jefferson Station renaming is consistent with SEPTA’s mandate to seek alternative sources to help pay for operating expenses. State lawmakers, in passing recent legislation for transportation funding in Pennsylvania, have called on SEPTA and other transit agencies to bolster efforts to generate non-fare box revenues.
“This agreement will deliver major benefits to our customers and other taxpayers who help fund the authority’s operations,” said Casey. “The advertising income this generates will go directly toward the everyday costs of running the transit system.”
SEPTA has worked closely with Titan, the leading transit advertising agency in the country, on an innovative campaign to bring in additional advertising dollars.
“This is a fantastic deal for both SEPTA and Jefferson,” said Jon Roche, Titan’s General Manager and Vice President for the Philadelphia Region. “Naming the station will give exceptional and indelible branding for Jefferson in the heart of Center City Philadelphia.”
Approximately 26,000 customers riding SEPTA’s Regional Rail lines use the station every weekday. The station is also accessible via SEPTA’s Market-Frankford Line at the 8th and 11th Street stations; Broad-Ridge Spur at the 8th Street Station; and bus routes 17, 23, 33, 38, 44, 47, 47M, 48, 61 and 62.
For more information, visit www.septa.org.