SEPTA gathered with elected officials and community members today for a ribbon cutting ceremony to inaugurate the newly reconstructed 23rd and Venango Bus Loop in the Allegheny West section of North Philadelphia.
This $1.7 million project fully renovated a key, but aging center for bus transfers and connections in the rapidly redeveloping commercial and neighborhood corridor. Over 5,000 riders connect daily to transit services at the loop. The 23rd and Venango Bus Loop is served by six SEPTA bus routes (1, 33, 56, H, R, and XH). Beyond connections to transit, the loop provides access to the area’s business and community institutions including the Salvation Army’s Kroc Center and the Bakers Centre’ Shopping Complex.
At the renovated loop, passengers will enjoy newly raised bus boarding islands, modern rider shelters, enhanced lighting and landscaping; new trash/recycling bins and additional bike parking racks. Safety upgrades around the loop were also addressed with the installation of ADA-accessible curb cuts, added bus lane and crosswalk striping, lighting enhancements in and around the site, and repaved pedestrian sidewalks. “Now, our 23rd and Venango facility is not only an improved SEPTA bus loop, but a grand gateway and transfer point for riders and the residents of North Philadelphia.” said SEPTA General Manager Joseph M. Casey.
“This is an exciting day for Philadelphia, for SEPTA, for this neighborhood, and most importantly, for the 5,000 riders that travel through the 23rd and Venango Bus Loop daily. I am pleased to have helped secure the federal funding that made this improvement project possible, and SEPTA deserves immense credit for their sustained commitment to advancing our region’s transit infrastructure,” said U.S. Congressman Chaka Fattah who spoke at today’s ribbon cutting ceremony. “Not only does this project stand to improve accessibility and safety for all residents of the community, the renovated transit hub is integral to the overall revitalization of the Allegheny West neighborhood.”
Joining SEPTA and Congressman Fattah at the ribbon cutting were Philadelphia City Councilwoman Cindy Bass and Allegheny West Foundation President Ronald Hinton.
SEPTA will resume normal service through the loop this week. Riders had been directed to board bus service at temporary stops nearby during the year-long project. “I want to thank our customers who use this loop for their patience and support during the renovation – and I hope you’re pleased with the new and improved 23rd and Venango Bus Loop.” said Casey.
For more information about SEPTA, visit www.septa.org.