SEPTA will receive a $15 million federal grant to modernize infrastructure and improve passenger access at its 30th Street Market-Frankford Station, members of the southeastern Pennsylvania Congressional Delegation announced.
The award will be made through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Discretionary Grants program. The grant will fund approximately 39 percent of the $38 million project, and will leverage more than $23 million in additional state, local and private funds, including a $2 million commitment from Brandywine Realty Trust.
SEPTA’s 30th Street Market-Frankford Station project is currently in final design. The modernization project will increase station capacity, improve passenger flow, and support the regionally significant economic development activities planned for the surrounding area. Plans for the station overhaul include the installation of new stairs, escalators, and elevators, an expanded mezzanine area, a new glass head house and canopy at north-west corner of 30th and Market Street, a ramp to the new Drexel Square, improved lighting, signage and extensive bike parking.
“We are very grateful to our entire Congressional delegation for their support of SEPTA’s application and for developing programs like BUILD that encourage joint investment in public transportation projects of regional significance,” said SEPTA Chairman Pasquale T. Deon, Sr. “BUILD Grant funding will allow SEPTA to modernize 30th Street Market-Frankford Station while creating a transit gateway to Schuylkill Yards and other development planned for the broader 30th Street District area. I want to thank Brandywine Realty Trust and Drexel University for their partnership and commitment to the project.”
Served by the Market-Frankford Line – SEPTA’s most heavily traveled route – and five Trolley Routes, SEPTA’s 30th Street Market-Frankford Station is a vital regional hub connecting 25,000 daily passengers to University City’s world-renowned commerce, education and medical centers, as well as Amtrak’s 30th Street Station, where travelers can connect to the Northeast Corridor and the rest of Amtrak’s national network. Additionally, all 13 SEPTA Regional Rail Lines serve Amtrak’s 30th Street Station, including an 18-minute direct connection to Philadelphia International Airport.
“University City is already the region’s second largest employment center, and ridership at the 30th Street Market-Frankford Station has increased more than 20 percent over the past 15 years,” SEPTA General Manager Jeffrey D. Knueppel said. “This project will allow SEPTA to better accommodate anticipated ridership growth, and we are fortunate to have so many City and regional leaders who value the important role of mass transit and supported our BUILD Grant application.”
Pennsylvania’s United States Senators, Pat Toomey and Robert P. Casey, Jr., jointly announced the grant award. “Congratulations to SEPTA and the City of Philadelphia on this substantial grant award,” said Senator Toomey. “This grant will finance improvements that makes travel in the city easier for millions of commuters and visitors, and help to accommodate increased traffic from the Schuylkill Yards project. I was glad to support SEPTA’s application for this grant and thank Secretary Chao and the Department of Transportation for their support.”
“I’ve long supported efforts like this to strengthen the region’s infrastructure,” said Senator Casey. “I was proud to appeal directly to Secretary Chao in support of this grant and look forward to seeing the benefits of DoT’s investment in SEPTA. I will continue to look for ways to help grow Pennsylvania’s transportation networks and boost the local economy.
“Modern, safe and accessible public transportation makes for strong and vibrant communities,” said U.S. Rep. Dwight E. Evans, in whose district 30th Street Station is located. “I am pleased that this project will enhance mobility for my constituents as well as other employees and students traveling to University City and the surrounding area. The improvements planned for 30th Street Station are regionally significant, and the economic impacts of this type of project are precisely the investments in success and opportunity the BUILD Grant is intended to support.”
