History of SEPTA in Timeline
SEPTA, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, provides public transportation services to nearly four million people in and around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It operates a comprehensive network including bus, rapid transit, commuter rail, light rail, and electric trolleybus lines. Beyond daily operations, SEPTA manages projects focused on maintaining, upgrading, and expanding its infrastructure, facilities, and vehicle fleet to serve the region's transportation needs.
1902: Formation of Philadelphia Rapid Transit Company
In 1902, the Philadelphia Rapid Transit Company was formed.
1913: Original proposal for the Roosevelt Boulevard Subway
In 1913, the original proposal for the Roosevelt Boulevard Subway was made, similar to New York City's Second Avenue Subway, but construction remained elusive.
1940: Creation of Philadelphia Transportation Company (PTC)
In 1940, the Philadelphia Transportation Company (PTC) was created with the merger of the Philadelphia Rapid Transit Company and a group of smaller transit companies.
August 17, 1963: Creation of SEPTA
On August 17, 1963, the Pennsylvania General Assembly created SEPTA to coordinate government funding to various transit and railroad companies in southeastern Pennsylvania.
February 18, 1964: SEPTA Commenced Operations
SEPTA commenced operations on February 18, 1964.
November 1, 1965: SEPTA absorbed two predecessor agencies
On November 1, 1965, SEPTA absorbed two predecessor agencies.
1966: Reading Company and Pennsylvania Railroad lines operated under SEPTA
By 1966, the Reading Company and Pennsylvania Railroad commuter railroad lines were operated under contract to SEPTA.
February 1, 1968: Pennsylvania Railroad merged to become Penn Central
On February 1, 1968, the Pennsylvania Railroad merged with the New York Central railroad to become Penn Central.
September 30, 1968: SEPTA Acquired Philadelphia Transportation Company (PTC)
On September 30, 1968, SEPTA acquired the Philadelphia Transportation Company (PTC), which operated a citywide system of bus, trolley, and trackless trolley routes, the Market–Frankford Line, the Broad Street Line, and the Delaware River Bridge Line, and became SEPTA's City Transit Division.
1968: SEPTA Board Founding
At its founding in 1968, the SEPTA board had 11 members.
January 30, 1970: SEPTA acquired Philadelphia Suburban Transportation Company
On January 30, 1970, SEPTA acquired the Philadelphia Suburban Transportation Company, also known as the Red Arrow Lines, including the Norristown High Speed Line, the Media–Sharon Hill Line, and several suburban bus routes in Delaware County, which is known as the Victory Division.
June 21, 1970: Penn Central filed for bankruptcy
On June 21, 1970, Penn Central filed for bankruptcy but continued to operate.
1974: Airport line construction
The City of Philadelphia began construction of the airport line in 1974.
March 1, 1976: SEPTA acquired transit operations of Schuylkill Valley Lines
On March 1, 1976, SEPTA acquired the transit operations of Schuylkill Valley Lines, known today as the Frontier Division. SEPTA also gradually began to take over the Pennsylvania Railroad and Reading Company commuter trains.
1976: Conrail took over assets of Penn Central
In 1976, Conrail took over the assets of Penn Central, along with those of several other bankrupt railroads, including the Reading Company.
1976: Silverliner IV order completed
Most of the cars used on the lines were built between 1976 and 2013. The Silverliner IV order was completed in 1976.
1977: SEPTA and Reeder's Inc. joined forces
In 1977, SEPTA and Reeder's Inc. joined forces to operate three bus routes out of West Chester: Route 120, Route 121, and Route 122.
1978: AM General trackless trolley vehicles built
SEPTA operated five routes with trackless trolleys, using AM General vehicles built in 1978–79.
1980: Prototype K-car delivered and tested
In 1980, a prototype of the "K-cars" was delivered and tested before Kawasaki began building the 112 vehicles for the SEPTA Subway-Surface trolley lines in 1981.
1981: Kawasaki builds K-cars for Subway-Surface trolley lines
In 1981, Kawasaki began building the 112 "K-cars" for the SEPTA Subway-Surface trolley lines after a prototype was delivered and tested in 1980.
1981: Establishment of Transit Police Department
SEPTA established its current Transit Police Department in 1981.
July 1982: Route 122 service replaced by SEPTA's Route 91
In July 1982, bus service between West Chester and Coatesville was a replacement for the previous trolley service operated by West Chester Traction. SEPTA replaced Route 122 service with their own Route 91 in July 1982, after only one year of service. Route 91 was eliminated due to lack of ridership.
October 1982: Route 121 replaced by SEPTA's Route 92
In October 1982, Route 121 was replaced by SEPTA's Route 92. This service continues to operate today.
1982: Kawasaki builds Broad Street Line cars
Between 1982 and 1984, Kawasaki built cars for the Broad Street Line, known as B-IV, featuring stainless steel construction and operating cabs at both ends on some cars.
1982: SEPTA ordered buses from Neoplan USA
In 1982, SEPTA ordered buses from Neoplan USA. It was the largest purchase for Neoplan and SEPTA's largest to date. The Neoplan AK's (numbered 8285–8410) were SEPTA's first Neoplan order, and had longitudinal seating. Their suburban counterparts (8411–8434) had longitudinal seating only in the rear of the bus.
January 1, 1983: SEPTA took over operations from Conrail
On January 1, 1983, SEPTA took over commuter rail operations from Conrail and acquired track, rolling stock, and other assets to form the Railroad Division.
November 1983: SEPTA turned over Bucks County routes to Frontier Division
In November 1983, SEPTA turned over the Bucks County routes (formerly Trenton-Philadelphia Coach Line Routes, a subsidiary of SEPTA) to Frontier Division.
1983: SEPTA ordered Neoplan buses
In 1983, SEPTA, along with other transit operators in Pennsylvania, ordered 1,000 Neoplan buses of various lengths. SEPTA ultimately received 450 buses from this order: 425 were 40-foot buses (BD 8435–8584 and CD 8601–8875), which came without wheelchair lifts, and 25 35-foot buses (BP 1301–1325).
1984: Kawasaki builds Broad Street Line cars
Between 1982 and 1984, Kawasaki built cars for the Broad Street Line, known as B-IV, featuring stainless steel construction and operating cabs at both ends on some cars.
1984: Center City Commuter Connection Tunnel Opening
In 1984, the Center City Commuter Connection Tunnel was constructed and opened. As a result, lines were paired, coupling former Pennsylvania Railroad lines with former Reading lines, and were given route designations numbered R1 through R8.
1984: Airport line construction
The City of Philadelphia completed construction of the airport line in 1984.
1984: Old articulated buses replaced
The Volvo 10BM 60-foot articulated buses were replaced in 1998 after they were put into service in 1984.
1986: SEPTA purchased additional Neoplan buses
In 1986, SEPTA purchased additional Neoplan buses. The first two groups (3000–3131 and 3132–3251) came without rear wheelchair lifts.
1987: SEPTA purchased additional Neoplan buses
In late 1987, SEPTA purchased additional Neoplan buses (3252–3371), which included rear wheelchair lifts.
1989: SEPTA purchased additional Neoplan buses
In 1989, SEPTA purchased additional Neoplan buses (3372–3491), which included rear wheelchair lifts.
1991: State Legislature added members to SEPTA Board
In 1991, the state legislature added four additional members to the SEPTA board, giving themselves more influence.
1992: Krapf purchased the Reeder's operation
In 1992, Krapf purchased the Reeder's operation and designated the remaining (West Chester to Coatesville) bus route as Krapf Transit "Route A".
1993: Delivery of N-5 cars for Norristown High Speed Line
In 1993, ABB delivered 26 N-5 cars for the Norristown High Speed Line, marking the first North American fleet with AC traction motors, after production difficulties and assembly location changes.
1994: Evaluation of buses from New Flyer and NovaBus
SEPTA evaluated sample buses from New Flyer and NovaBus during 1994-96.
1996: Reorganization of American Ikarus to North American Bus Industries
American Ikarus underwent a reorganization to become North American Bus Industries in 1996.
1997: Adtranz builds M-4 cars for Market-Frankford Line
From 1997 to 1999, Adtranz built M-4 cars for the Market-Frankford Line, representing the line's fourth generation of cars.
1997: Replacement of AK and BD Neoplan fleet
Through late 1997, SEPTA replaced the earlier fleet of AK and BD Neoplans (8285–8581) with 400 buses built by American Ikarus and – the same company after a 1996 reorganization – North American Bus Industries.
1998: SEPTA ordered articulated buses from Neoplan
In 1998, SEPTA ordered 155 articulated buses from Neoplan to replace the 1984 Volvo 10BM 60-foot articulated buses.
1998: Purchase of Transmark-29 buses
In 1998, SEPTA purchased 89 29-foot Transmark-29 buses from National-Eldorado.
1999: Adtranz builds M-4 cars for Market-Frankford Line
From 1997 to 1999, Adtranz built M-4 cars for the Market-Frankford Line, representing the line's fourth generation of cars.
1999: Bankruptcy filing of Metrotrans Legacy
In 1999, Metrotrans Legacy, SEPTA's first choice in small buses, filed for bankruptcy.
2000: Arrival of Transmark-29 buses
In late 2000, the first Transmark-29 buses from National-Eldorado began to arrive, running on suburban routes and in the "LUCY" service.
2001: SEPTA ordered low-floor buses from New Flyer
In 2001, SEPTA ordered 100 low-floor buses (nos. 5401–5500) from New Flyer.
2001: Delivery of NFI XDE40 hybrid buses
SEPTA delivered 525 2017–2022 NFI XDE40 hybrid buses to replace all the diesel buses that were delivered between 2001 and 2004.
June 2002: Conversion to diesel buses
Until June 2002, five SEPTA routes were operated with trackless trolleys, but routes 59, 66, and 75 were converted to diesel buses for an indefinite period starting in June 2002.
2002: Conversion to diesel buses
Until June 2002, five SEPTA routes were operated with trackless trolleys, but routes 59, 66, and 75 were converted to diesel buses for an indefinite period starting in June 2002.
2003: Retirement of cutaway buses
Around 2003, SEPTA's fleet of "cutaway" buses, built on Ford van chassis, were retired and replaced with slightly larger cutaway buses on a Freightliner truck chassis.
2003: Purchase of hybrid buses
In 2003, SEPTA purchased two small groups of hybrid buses, 5601H–5612H.
2003: Suspension of trackless trolley service
In 2003, SEPTA suspended trackless trolley (trolley bus) service, and the 110 AM General vehicles that had provided service on SEPTA's five trackless trolley routes never returned to service.
2003: Reopening of Girard Avenue Line with rebuilt PCC II cars
In 2003, the Girard Avenue Line reopened with PCC cars rebuilt by Brookville (and renamed PCC II) to include air conditioning and a wheelchair lift.
2003: Conversion to diesel buses
Until June 2002, five SEPTA routes were operated with trackless trolleys, but routes 29 and 79 were converted to diesel buses for an indefinite period starting in 2003.
2004: Purchase of hybrid buses
In 2004, SEPTA purchased two small groups of hybrid buses, 5831H–5850H.
2004: Delivery of NFI XDE40 hybrid buses
SEPTA delivered 525 2017–2022 NFI XDE40 hybrid buses to replace all the diesel buses that were delivered between 2001 and 2004.
2005: Delivery of New Flyer D40LF buses
In 2005, New Flyer D40LF buses were delivered, which were later replaced by New Flyer XDE40 buses starting in 2021.
2005: Geographically-accurate map of SEPTA
In 2005, a geographically-accurate map of SEPTA and connecting rail transit services was created. It included Regional Rail, rapid transit, and selected interurban and suburban trolley lines, but did not include SEPTA's subway-surface lines or Girard streetcar.
February 2006: SEPTA ordered new low-floor trackless trolleys
In February 2006, SEPTA placed an order for 38 new low-floor trackless trolleys from New Flyer Industries.
October 2006: SEPTA decided not to order vehicles for Routes 29 and 79
In October 2006, the SEPTA board voted not to order additional vehicles for Routes 29 and 79, and those routes permanently became non-electric.
2006: Order of new trackless trolleys
In early 2006, SEPTA ordered 38 new low-floor trackless trolleys from New Flyer.
June 2007: Pilot trackless trolley arrived for testing
In June 2007, the pilot trackless trolley arrived for testing.
2007: SEPTA bus Route 306 began service
In 2007, SEPTA bus Route 306 began service, connecting the Great Valley Corporate Center and West Chester with the Brandywine Town Center.
April 14, 2008: Trackless trolley service resumed
On April 14, 2008, trackless trolley service resumed on Routes 66 and 75.
June 20, 2008: Retirement of last AN440 buses
On June 20, 2008, SEPTA retired the last AN440 buses after receiving its first low-floor fleet.
August 2008: Vehicles delivered
The New Flyer Industries trackless trolley vehicles were delivered between February and August 2008.
2008: Delivery of New Flyer DE40LF buses
Between 2008 and 2009, SEPTA received delivery of New Flyer DE40LF buses, which were later replaced by New Flyer XDE40 buses beginning in 2021.
2008: Restoration of trackless service
In 2008, the new low-floor trackless trolleys from New Flyer entered service, restoring trackless service on routes 59, 66 and 75, and replaced SEPTA Neoplan EZs.
2008: Evaluation of MTA New York City Transit Orion VII hybrid bus
Prior to the 2008 purchase, SEPTA borrowed an MTA New York City Transit Orion VII hybrid bus # 6365 to evaluate it in service.
2008: SEPTA orders buses with rooftop HVAC
SEPTA's revenue from advertisements on the backs of its buses leads the authority to order mainly buses equipped with a rooftop HVAC, and with their rear route-number sign mounted on the roof, especially on 2008–2009 New Flyer DE40LFs and future orders.
2008: Service Resumed
Service resumed in spring 2008 after a nearly five-year suspension.
February 2009: SEPTA bus Route 113 Commenced
In February 2009, SEPTA bus Route 113 commenced connecting bus service with DART at the Tri-State Mall, allowing service between Delaware County and Delaware, and connecting with DART First State's #13 and #61 bus at the Tri-State Mall.
2009: Delivery of New Flyer DE40LF buses
Between 2008 and 2009, SEPTA received delivery of New Flyer DE40LF buses, which were later replaced by New Flyer XDE40 buses beginning in 2021.
2009: Criticism of sex identification markers on SEPTA passes
Between 2009 and 2013, SEPTA faced criticism for using sex identification markers on monthly transit passes, leading to discrimination against transgender and gender-queer individuals.
2009: Improvements funded by American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
In 2009, $191 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act were used to make over 30 major improvements to the SEPTA system.
2009: SEPTA sued over lack of accessibility
In 2009, SEPTA was successfully sued over its lack of accessibility, particularly concerning trolley vehicles and suburban trolley stops not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
2009: SEPTA orders buses with rooftop HVAC
SEPTA's revenue from advertisements on the backs of its buses leads the authority to order mainly buses equipped with a rooftop HVAC, and with their rear route-number sign mounted on the roof, especially on 2008–2009 New Flyer DE40LFs and future orders.
July 2010: SEPTA removed R-numbers from lines
In July 2010, SEPTA removed the R-numbers from the lines and started referring to them by the names of their termini, due to changing ridership patterns.
October 29, 2010: Introduction of the Silverliner V cars
After building delays, the first Silverliner V cars were introduced into service on October 29, 2010. These cars represent the first new electric multiple units purchased for the Regional Rail system since the completion of the Silverliner IV order in 1976 and the first such purchase to be made by SEPTA.
2010: Opening of LEED station at Fox Chase terminal
In 2010, SEPTA built the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) station at Fox Chase terminal.
2010: Discontinuation of service between West Chester and Brandywine Town Center
In 2010, SEPTA discontinued service between West Chester and Brandywine Town Center on Route 306 due to low ridership.
July 2012: SEPTA voted best large transit agency in North America
In July 2012, SEPTA was voted the best large transit agency in North America by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).
March 19, 2013: All Silverliner V cars in service
As of March 19, 2013, all Silverliner V cars are in service and make up almost one-third of the current 400 car Regional Rail fleet, which are replacing the older, aging fleet.
June 2013: Sex identification markers on monthly passes stopped
In June 2013, SEPTA stopped using sex identification markers on its monthly transit passes.
2013: Act 89 signed into law
In 2013, Act 89 was signed into law, which resulted in SEPTA no longer receiving $180,000,000 annually from the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission as of June 2022.
2013: Replacement of retired buses
The 2013–2016 NovaBus LFS-A HEV replaced retired buses by late 2015.
2014: Ridership decrease from 2014 to 2019
From 2014 to 2019, SEPTA ridership decreased 13% due to factors like increased competition, structural changes in ridership patterns, and moderate gas prices.
2015: Articulated buses retired
By late 2015, SEPTA's articulated buses were retired and replaced by the 2013–2016 NovaBus LFS-A HEV.
July 2016: Structural flaw discovered in Silverliner V cars
In July 2016, a serious structural flaw, including cracks in a weight-bearing beam on a train car's undercarriage, was discovered during an emergency inspection to exist in more than 95% of the 120 Silverliner V cars in the SEPTA regional rail fleet, reducing the system's capacity by as much as 50%.
July 25, 2016: Transportation issues expected for Democratic National Convention
In July 2016, in addition to regular commuter rail service, the loss of system capacity due to structural flaw in the Silverliner V cars was also expected to cause transportation issues for the Democratic National Convention being held in Philadelphia on the week of July 25, 2016.
2016: SEPTA launches pilot program for electric buses
In 2016, SEPTA launched a pilot program to replace diesel buses with battery electric buses on routes 29 and 79, using a $2.6-million Federal Transit Administration grant to order 25 buses from Proterra, Inc. and two fast-charging stations.
2016: Replacement of retired buses
The 2013–2016 NovaBus LFS-A HEV replaced retired buses by late 2015.
December 2017: SEPTA completed an Environmental Impact Statement
As of December 2017, SEPTA had completed an Environmental Impact Statement to extend the Norristown High Speed Line to the King of Prussia area. However, the project was discontinued mid-way through.
2017: Emergency welding on M-4 cars
In 2017, 90 M-4 cars on the Market-Frankford Line received emergency welding to fix cracking steel beams.
2017: Electric buses expected to enter service
In 2017, the 25 Proterra battery electric buses ordered in 2016 were expected to enter service on routes 29 and 79, returning electric propulsion to those routes after nearly 15 years.
2017: Delivery of NFI XDE40 hybrid buses
SEPTA delivered 525 2017–2022 NFI XDE40 hybrid buses to replace all the diesel buses that were delivered between 2001 and 2004.
April 30, 2018: Token sales discontinued
On April 30, 2018, SEPTA token sales were discontinued, and token vending machines were removed from transit stations. Previously sold tokens could be redeemed at fare kiosks and their value could be loaded onto the Travel Wallet of the SEPTA Key card.
2018: SEPTA ridership in 2018
As of 2018, SEPTA had the sixth-largest U.S. rapid transit system by ridership and the fifth-largest overall transit system in the nation, with about 302 million annual unlinked trips. SEPTA controlled 290 active stations, over 450 miles of track, 2,350 revenue vehicles, and 196 routes.
2019: Ridership decrease from 2014 to 2019
From 2014 to 2019, SEPTA ridership decreased 13% due to factors like increased competition, structural changes in ridership patterns, and moderate gas prices.
2019: Route 205 merged into SEPTA's Route 206
In 2019, Route 205 (Paoli Station to Chesterbrook) was formerly operated by Krapf until late 2019, when it was merged into SEPTA's own Route 206 (Paoli Station to Great Valley).
March 2020: Ridership decrease from 2019 to 2020
The 24% decrease in SEPTA ridership from 2019 to 2020 was mostly attributable to the impact of government-implemented lock-downs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that began in mid-March 2020.
October 2020: Trial use of lean benches at SEPTA stations
In October 2020, SEPTA began trialing the use of lean benches instead of traditional seating at some stations, which was criticized as hostile architecture to discourage homeless individuals from sleeping at stations, but SEPTA claimed it was for COVID-19 social distancing.
2020: Permanent welding to fix cracking steel beams on M-4 cars
In 2020, all M-4 cars on the Market-Frankford Line, including those temporarily repaired in 2017, had to undergo more permanent welding to fix cracking steel beams.
2020: Discontinuation of paper ticket sales
In 2020, sales of paper tickets were discontinued on Regional Rail.
2020: Electric buses sidelined due to chassis defect
In February 2020, the battery electric buses were sidelined due to an undisclosed reason, which agency sources attributed to a defect in the buses' plastic chassis that led to cracking.
2020: SEPTA begins rebuilding PCC cars again
Since 2020, SEPTA is once again rebuilding the PCC cars for the Girard Avenue Line.
April 1, 2021: Paper tickets accepted on Regional Rail
Valid paper tickets were still accepted on trains until April 1, 2021.
April 2, 2021: Paper tickets no longer accepted on Regional Rail
As of April 2, 2021, previously purchased paper tickets were no longer accepted on Regional Rail.
September 2021: Accessibility of New York City Subway
As of September 2021, the New York City Subway had the lowest ADA-compliant accessibility rate in the nation at 28%.
September 2021: Removal of lean benches after trial
In September 2021, SEPTA concluded its trial of lean benches and removed them from stations.
September 2021: SEPTA Proposed Rebranding as SEPTA Metro
In September 2021, SEPTA proposed rebranding their rail transit services, including the Market–Frankford Line, Broad Street Line, Subway–Surface trolley lines, Norristown High Speed Line, Route 15 trolley, and the Media–Sharon Hill Line) as the "SEPTA Metro", in order to make the system easier to navigate with new maps, station signage, and line designations.
2021: SEPTA orders New Flyer XDE40 buses
In 2021, SEPTA placed an order for 220 New Flyer XDE40 buses with an option for 120 additional buses to replace older New Flyer D40LF buses delivered in 2005 and New Flyer DE40LF buses delivered between 2008 and 2009.
2021: SEPTA operating expenses for fiscal year 2021
In the fiscal year of 2021, SEPTA's total operating expenses amounted to $1,530,984,000, with the largest portion, $1,088,773,000, attributed to "Labor and Fringe Benefits".
February 2022: Accessibility of SEPTA stations
As of February 2022, approximately 46% of SEPTA's subway and commuter rail stations combined were ADA-compliant, which is the second-lowest accessibility rate in the country.
June 2022: Loss of funding from Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
As of June 2022, SEPTA no longer received $180,000,000 annually from the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission as a result of Act 89, which was signed into law in 2013.
July 2022: Charles Lawson acting chief of Transit Police
In July 2022, Charles Lawson served as acting chief of the Transit Police before being appointed chief in May 2023.
August 2022: Introduction of electronic tickets
In August 2022, SEPTA introduced the ability to pay for transit rides using electronic tickets that can be bought through the SEPTA mobile apps for Android and iOS.
December 2022: General release of electronic tickets
In December 2022, the electronic ticket feature that was available on SEPTA mobile apps was released to the general public after a limited pilot program.
2022: Delivery of NFI XDE40 hybrid buses
SEPTA delivered 525 2017–2022 NFI XDE40 hybrid buses to replace all the diesel buses that were delivered between 2001 and 2004.
March 2023: SEPTA Board Members
As of March 2023, a list of the members of the SEPTA Board was compiled.
May 2023: Charles Lawson appointed chief of Transit Police
In May 2023, Charles Lawson was appointed chief of the Transit Police, after serving as acting chief since July 2022.
June 2023: SEPTA Budgeted for Rebranding
SEPTA budgeted $40 million for the rebranding in June 2023.
July 2023: Limited pilot program for contactless payments
In July 2023, SEPTA launched a limited pilot program to allow passengers to pay for transit trips using contactless credit cards and digital wallets on NFC-enabled phones and smart watches.
September 29, 2023: Contactless payments available
On September 29, 2023, SEPTA made contactless payments available to the general public for transit rides using credit cards and digital wallets on NFC-enabled phones and smart watches.
2023: SEPTA as the sole operator of five terrestrial transit vehicles
In 2023, SEPTA became the only U.S. transit authority that operates all five major types of terrestrial transit vehicles: regional commuter rail trains, rapid transit subway and elevated trains, light rail trolleys, trolleybuses, and motorbuses, after Boston's MBTA discontinued trolleybuses.
2023: Return of rebuilt PCC cars with plastic seating
In 2023, the rebuilt PCC cars for the Girard Avenue Line are scheduled to return, featuring plastic seating.
2023: Transfer point at Tri-State Mall moved
In 2023, the transfer point at the Tri-State Mall for SEPTA and DART First State was moved to the Claymont Transportation Center.
2023: Reduced funding from Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
In the 2023 fiscal year, SEPTA's funding from the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission was reduced to $50,000,000 as a result of Act 89.
2023: Daily ridership on the regional rail network in 2023
On January 1, 1983, SEPTA took over the commuter rail services formerly operated by Conrail under contract and reorganized them as Regional Rail. Daily ridership on the regional rail network averaged 58,713 in 2023, with the Lansdale/Doylestown, Paoli/Thorndale, and Trenton lines each receiving over 7,000 riders per day.
January 1, 2024: Tokens no longer accepted
Effective January 1, 2024, SEPTA no longer accepts tokens at vehicle fareboxes or fare kiosks.
June 2024: Ridership recovery in June 2024
As of the end of FY2024, both SEPTA's transit and regional rail operations continue to grow back to pre-COVID ridership volumes. In June 2024, regional rail ridership was at 66% and transit at 75%, combined for a systemwide recovery rate of 74% of pre-COVID ridership. Bus routes had the highest recovery rate of 84%, while trackless trolleys were lowest at 62%; light rail and heavy rail were at 63% and 66%, respectively.
July 1, 2024: CCT Connect name change
On July 1, 2024, the name of the ADA Paratransit Service was changed from CCT Connect to SEPTA Access, although vehicles retained the former branding.
December 1, 2024: Increase in electronic payment fare
On December 1, 2024, SEPTA raised the electronic payment fare to match the cash base rate of $2.50.
December 2024: Pilot program to test contactless payments on Regional Rail
In December 2024, SEPTA began a limited pilot program to test contactless payments on Regional Rail.
2024: Leslie Richards resigned
In 2024, general manager Leslie Richards resigned.
2024: Planned rollout of SEPTA Metro
SEPTA upgraded its website in late 2023 in advance of the planned rollout of SEPTA Metro in 2024.
April 4, 2025: Contactless payments available on Regional Rail
On April 4, 2025, contactless payments were made generally available on Regional Rail, excluding Trenton and West Trenton stations, making SEPTA the first agency in the US to offer contactless payments on commuter rail.
April 2025: Potential route cuts
As of April 2025, SEPTA may need to cut many routes if the Pennsylvania State Senate does not vote to give SEPTA a higher budget for 2026.
June 26, 2025: SEPTA board vote to cut service and raise fares
On June 26, 2025, the SEPTA board voted to cut service and raise fares amid budget deficiencies, including eliminating 50 bus routes, cutting five Regional Rail lines, reducing all remaining service by 20%, adding a 9 p.m. curfew on metro and Regional Rail service, canceling special service, closing 66 stations, and raising fares by 21.5%.
June 30, 2025: Zero Fare Key Cards to be distributed
By June 30, 2025, SEPTA plans to distribute a further 20,000 Zero Fare Key Cards during the second year of the Zero Fare pilot program.
2026: State budget vote
In April 2025, it was announced that if the Pennsylvania State Senate does not vote to give SEPTA a higher budget for 2026, SEPTA may need to cut many routes.
2027: New Alstom streetcars scheduled to enter service
Currently, SEPTA is ordering new 130 low floor streetcars that will be built and delivered by Alstom and are scheduled to enter service between 2027-2030.
2030: New Alstom streetcars scheduled to enter service
Currently, SEPTA is ordering new 130 low floor streetcars that will be built and delivered by Alstom and are scheduled to enter service between 2027-2030.
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