SEPTA will suspend all services effective at the end of Sunday’s service schedule due to the expected arrival of severe weather from Sandy.
The shutdown will start at approximately 12:30 am, at the conclusion of daily service schedules. The service suspension covers all modes of SEPTA travel, including Regional Rail, the Market-Frankford Line, the Broad Street Line, city and suburban bus and trolley routes, and the Norristown High Speed Line. CCT Paratransit service will be available for reserved dialysis patients only as long as safe operations are possible.
SEPTA is advising customers to adjust their travel plans as soon as possible prior to the shutdown. Those who do not have to travel are asked to stay off the roads and the rails. Essential workers, such as emergency personnel and hospital employees, who have to report to their jobs on Monday are urged to make their commute today.
“Suspending our service in the face of an unprecedented storm is in the best interest of the safety of our customers and employees,” said SEPTA General Manager Joseph M. Casey. “This will also protect our vehicles and infrastructure from damage and allow us to return to service as soon as possible.”
“With a powerful and dangerous storm approaching, SEPTA has made a smart, prudent decision. This is about public safety for the riding public and SEPTA’s drivers and other personnel,” said Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter. “We encourage the public to follow the safety recommendations that we’ve been making in the last two days.”
SEPTA expects all service to remain suspended through Monday. SEPTA will continue to monitor the storm and prepare the transit system for the resumption of service as soon as conditions allow. All SEPTA operations, maintenance and engineering employees are required to report to work as scheduled, which will help put the authority in position to resume service when possible.
SEPTA will post all service announcements and updates on its website and on Twitter. Service updates will also be sent simultaneously to local media as part of the effort to keep customers up-to-date.
SEPTA Customer Service representatives are also available by phone at (215) 580-7800. Customer service hours will be extended through the storm.