SEPTA General Manager Joseph M. Casey joined a host of local officials and community leaders on Thursday, June 17, 2010, to mark the completion of an extensive overhaul at Bells Corner Loop in Northeast Philadelphia.

As part of a $1.4 million state-funded project, SEPTA has completely overhauled the facility, which is located at Castor and Bustleton Avenues. It originally opened in 1949, and serves customers who ride the Route 59 Trackless Trolley and Route 58 bus. It is critical to SEPTA operations as the point where the Route 59 Trackless Trolleys turn around – or “loop” – at the north end of the line.

In addition to giving the loop a state-of-the-art makeover, the project was undertaken with a focus on serving Northeast Philadelphia through neighborhood beautification. SEPTA crafted the new facility to be a centerpiece of the community, with an overall aesthetically pleasing design that meshes with a host of customer-access improvements. Careful attention was given to finishing touches such as tile work – highlighted by decorative pieces in SEPTA blue that turn walls into works of art.

“The Bells Corner Loop project is an example of how SEPTA can make a positive impact on the communities we serve by investing in our facilities and infrastructure,” said SEPTA General Manger Joseph M. Casey. “We believe this extensive improvement project will prove to have an impact on this community for decades to come.”

Improving the customer experience was also a major goal of the project. Nearly 400 daily trips on the Route 59 Trackless Trolley and Route 58 Bus begin and end at Bells Corner Loop. These customers are now enjoying a host of new amenities, such as upgraded customer waiting areas, a bike rack and a variety of improvements to sidewalks, driveways and boarding areas to improve accessibility.