Full History Of SEPTA In Timeline From 1902

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 dates back, but construction has remained elusive.

1940: Creation of the 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.

1947: PCC cars built by St. Louis Car Company

In 1947, PCC cars were originally built by the St. Louis Car Company for SEPTA Route 15 (Girard Avenue Line).

August 17, 1963: SEPTA Created

On August 17, 1963, SEPTA was created by the Pennsylvania General Assembly to coordinate government funding to various transit and railroad companies in southeastern Pennsylvania.

February 18, 1964: SEPTA Commences Operations

On February 18, 1964, SEPTA commenced operations.

November 1, 1965: SEPTA absorbed two predecessor agencies

On November 1, 1965, SEPTA absorbed two predecessor agencies.

1966: Reading Company and Pennsylvania Railroad commuter lines operated under contract to SEPTA

By 1966, the Reading Company and Pennsylvania Railroad commuter railroad lines were operated under contract to SEPTA.

February 1, 1968: Pennsylvania Railroad Merged with New York Central Railroad

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

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, becoming SEPTA's City Transit Division.

1968: Founding of SEPTA Board

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, which included the Norristown High Speed Line, the Media–Sharon Hill Line (Routes 101 and 102), and several suburban bus routes in Delaware County.

1974: Construction of Airport Line Started

From 1974 to 1984, construction of the airport line by the City of Philadelphia.

March 1, 1976: SEPTA Acquired Schuylkill Valley Lines

On March 1, 1976, SEPTA acquired the transit operations of Schuylkill Valley Lines, known today as the Frontier Division.

1976: Conrail Took Over Assets of Bankrupt Railroads

In 1976, Conrail took over the assets of Penn Central and other bankrupt railroads, including the Reading Company.

1976: Completion of Silverliner IV Order

Most of the cars used on the lines were built between 1976 and 2013.The Silverliner IV order completion date was 1976.

1977: SEPTA and Reeder's Inc. Operated Bus Routes in Chester County

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.

1977: SEPTA labor strike

SEPTA had a labor strike in 1977. SEPTA has had more labor strikes than any other transit agency in the U.S.

1978: AM General vehicles built

Until June 2002, five SEPTA routes were operated with trackless trolleys, using AM General vehicles built in 1978-79.

June 21, 1979: Penn Central Filed for Bankruptcy

On June 21, 1979, Penn Central filed for bankruptcy.

1980: Prototype K-car delivered and tested

In 1980, a prototype "K-car" was delivered and tested before Kawasaki began building 112 vehicles for the SEPTA Subway–Surface trolley lines.

1981: Kawasaki builds 112 vehicles for SEPTA Subway–Surface trolley lines

In 1981, Kawasaki began building 112 vehicles for the SEPTA Subway–Surface trolley lines (Routes 10, 11, 13, 34, and 36). These vehicles, known as "K-cars", use the Pennsylvania trolley gauge and are larger and faster than the PCC cars they replaced. They also were the first in North America to have unitized roof-mounted air conditioners and to have electronic control of switches at junctions.

1981: Establishment of Current Transit Police Department

SEPTA established its current Transit Police Department in 1981.

1981: SEPTA labor strike

SEPTA had a labor strike in 1981. SEPTA has had more labor strikes than any other transit agency in the U.S.

July 1982: Route 122 Replaced by SEPTA's Route 91

In July 1982, SEPTA replaced Route 122 with its own bus service, Route 91, after only one year of service. Route 91 was later 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, which continues to operate today.

1982: Broad Street Line Cars Built by Kawasaki

Between 1982 and 1984, the Broad Street Line used cars built by Kawasaki.

1982: Purchase of Neoplan Buses

In 1982, SEPTA ordered buses from Neoplan USA, which was both the largest purchase for Neoplan at the time and SEPTA's largest to date.

January 1, 1983: SEPTA Takes Over Commuter Rail Operations

On January 1, 1983, SEPTA took over commuter services from Conrail and formed the Railroad Division, acquiring track, rolling stock, and other assets.

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) to the Frontier Division.

1983: SEPTA Orders Neoplan Buses

In 1983, SEPTA, along with other transit operators in Pennsylvania, ordered 1,000 Neoplan buses of various lengths, and SEPTA ultimately received 450 buses from this order.

1983: SEPTA labor strike

SEPTA had a labor strike in 1983. SEPTA has had more labor strikes than any other transit agency in the U.S.

1984: Broad Street Line Cars Built by Kawasaki

Between 1982 and 1984, the Broad Street Line used cars built by Kawasaki.

1984: Construction of Airport Line Completed

From 1974 to 1984, construction of the airport line by the City of Philadelphia.

1984: Purchase of Volvo Articulated Buses

In 1984, SEPTA used Volvo 10BM 60-foot articulated buses.

1984: Center City Commuter Connection Tunnel Opening

In 1984, the Center City Commuter Connection Tunnel was constructed and opened, leading to the pairing of former Pennsylvania Railroad lines with former Reading lines, designated as routes R1 through R8 (excluding R4).

1986: SEPTA labor strike

SEPTA had a labor strike in 1986. SEPTA has had more labor strikes than any other transit agency in the U.S.

1986: SEPTA Purchased Additional Neoplans

SEPTA purchased additional Neoplans in 1986. The first two groups (3000–3131 and 3132–3251) came without rear wheelchair lifts.

1987: SEPTA Purchased Additional Neoplans with Wheelchair Lifts

In late 1987, SEPTA purchased additional Neoplans (3252–3371) that included rear wheelchair lifts.

1989: SEPTA Purchased Additional Neoplans with Wheelchair Lifts

In 1989, SEPTA purchased additional Neoplans (3372–3491) that included rear wheelchair lifts.

1991: State Legislature Added Four Members to SEPTA Board

In 1991, the state legislature added four additional members to the SEPTA board, giving themselves more influence.

1992: Krapf Purchased 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: N-5 cars delivered by ABB

In 1993, the Norristown High Speed Line's unique class of 26 cars known as N-5s were delivered by ABB after significant production difficulties and a change of assembly locations. They are the first fleet of cars in North America to have Alternating Current (AC) traction motors.

1994: Evaluation of Sample Buses

Between 1994 and 1996, SEPTA evaluated sample buses from New Flyer and NovaBus.

1995: SEPTA labor strike

SEPTA had a labor strike in 1995. SEPTA has had more labor strikes than any other transit agency in the U.S.

1996: Reorganization of American Ikarus

American Ikarus underwent a reorganization in 1996 and became North American Bus Industries.

1997: Market-Frankford Line Cars Built by Adtranz

From 1997 to 1999, the Market–Frankford Line used cars built by Adtranz.

1997: Replacement of Neoplan Buses

Through late 1997, the earlier fleet of AK and BD Neoplans (8285–8581) was replaced by 400 buses built by American Ikarus and North American Bus Industries.

1998: Order of 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.

1998: SEPTA labor strike

SEPTA had a labor strike in 1998. SEPTA has had more labor strikes than any other transit agency in the U.S.

1999: Market-Frankford Line Cars Built by Adtranz

From 1997 to 1999, the Market–Frankford Line used cars built by Adtranz.

1999: Bankruptcy Filing by 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 of the 29-foot Transmark-29 buses from National-Eldorado began to arrive.

2001: Order of Low-Floor Buses from New Flyer

In 2001, SEPTA ordered 100 low-floor buses (nos. 5401–5500) from New Flyer.

2001: Replacement of Diesel 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: Suspension of Trackless Trolley Service

Until June 2002, five SEPTA routes were operated with trackless trolleys, using AM General vehicles built in 1978-79. Starting in June 2002, routes 59, 66, and 75 were converted to diesel buses for an indefinite period, and routes 29 and 79 followed in 2003.

2003: Retirement of Cutaway Buses

Around 2003, SEPTA retired the fleet of "cutaway" buses built on Ford van chassis and replaced them with slightly larger cutaway buses on a Freightliner truck chassis.

2003: Purchase of Hybrid Buses

In 2003, SEPTA purchased a small group 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 were never returned to service.

2003: PCC cars rebuilt by Brookville and renamed PCC II

In 2003, the PCC cars on SEPTA Route 15 were rebuilt by Brookville, renamed PCC II, and updated to include air conditioning and a wheelchair lift for the line's reopening.

2003: Trackless Trolley Service Suspended

Until June 2002, five SEPTA routes were operated with trackless trolleys, using AM General vehicles built in 1978-79. Routes 29, 59, 66, 75 and 79 used trackless trolleys, but were converted to diesel buses for an indefinite period starting in 2002 (routes 59, 66, 75) and in 2003 (routes 29, 79).

2004: Purchase of Hybrid Buses

In 2004, SEPTA purchased a small group of hybrid buses, 5831H–5850H.

2004: Replacement of Diesel Buses

SEPTA delivered 525 2017–2022 NFI XDE40 hybrid buses to replace all the diesel buses that were delivered between 2001 and 2004.

2005: Geographically-accurate map of SEPTA

In 2005, a geographically-accurate map of SEPTA and connecting rail transit services was available, including Regional Rail, rapid transit, and selected interurban and suburban trolley lines, but not subway-surface lines or the Girard streetcar.

2005: Delivery of New Flyer D40LF Buses

In 2021, SEPTA placed an order for 220 New Flyer XDE40 buses with an option for 120 additional buses to replace the New Flyer D40LF buses that were delivered in 2005 and are currently replacing the New Flyer DE40LF buses that were delivered between 2008-2009.

2005: SEPTA labor strike

SEPTA had a labor strike in 2005. SEPTA has had more labor strikes than any other transit agency in the U.S.

February 2006: SEPTA Ordered New Trackless Trolleys

In February 2006, SEPTA placed an order for 38 new low-floor trackless trolleys from New Flyer Industries to replace the aging AM General vehicles.

October 2006: SEPTA Board Voted Against Ordering Additional Trackless Trolleys 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 Low-Floor 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 from New Flyer Industries arrived for testing.

2007: SEPTA 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 Routes 66 and 75

Trackless trolley service resumed on Routes 66 and 75 on April 14, 2008, initially limited to one or two vehicles on each route as new trolley buses gradually replaced the motorbuses.

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: Delivery of New Trackless Trolleys

The new trackless trolley vehicles were delivered between February and August 2008.

2008: Restoration of Trackless Trolley Service

In 2008, SEPTA restored trackless service on routes 59, 66, and 75 with the new low-floor trackless trolleys from New Flyer, replacing SEPTA Neoplan EZs.

2008: Replacement of New Flyer DE40LF Buses

In 2021, SEPTA placed an order for 220 New Flyer XDE40 buses with an option for 120 additional buses to replace the New Flyer D40LF buses that were delivered in 2005 and are currently replacing the New Flyer DE40LF buses that were delivered between 2008-2009.

2008: Order of New Flyer Hybrid Buses equipped with rooftop HVAC units

Prior to the 2008 purchase, SEPTA borrowed an MTA New York City Transit Orion VII hybrid bus # 6365 to evaluate it in service. SEPTA was the first to purchase New Flyer DE40LFs equipped with rooftop HVAC units.

2008: Order of New Flyer Hybrid Buses

SEPTA placed an order for 400 New Flyer hybrid buses, with delivery starting in 2008, with options for up to 80 additional buses to replace the NABI Ikarus buses.

2008: Preference for Rooftop HVAC on Buses

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: Trackless Trolley Service Resumed

Trackless trolley service resumed in spring 2008 after a nearly five-year suspension on routes 59, 66, and 75.

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: SEPTA Sued over lack of accessibility

Back in 2009, SEPTA was successfully sued over its lack of accessibility. Trolley vehicles are fully inaccessible, except for the PCCIIIs, meaning that no suburban trolley stop can possibly be compliant with the ADA.

2009: SEPTA criticized for use of sex identification markers

Between 2009 and 2013, SEPTA was criticised for its use of sex identification markers on the SEPTA-issued monthly transit passes, as some transgender and gender-queer people had experienced discrimination related to the markers.

2009: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Funds Utilized

In 2009, $191 million of funds made available from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act were utilized to make over 30 major improvements to the system, including renovations of the Spring Garden and Girard Avenue subway stations.

2009: Replacement of New Flyer DE40LF Buses

In 2021, SEPTA placed an order for 220 New Flyer XDE40 buses with an option for 120 additional buses to replace the New Flyer D40LF buses that were delivered in 2005 and are currently replacing the New Flyer DE40LF buses that were delivered between 2008-2009.

2009: SEPTA labor strike

SEPTA had a labor strike in 2009. SEPTA has had more labor strikes than any other transit agency in the U.S.

2009: Preference for Rooftop HVAC on Buses

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: Removal of R-Numbers from Lines

In July 2010, SEPTA removed the R-numbers from the lines and began referring to the lines by the names of their termini because ridership patterns had changed since the implementation of the original plan.

October 29, 2010: Introduction of Silverliner V Cars

On October 29, 2010, the first Silverliner V cars were introduced into service.

2010: First LEED station built at Fox Chase terminal

In 2010, SEPTA built the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) station at Fox Chase terminal.

2010: Service between West Chester and Brandywine Town Center discontinued

In 2010, service between West Chester and Brandywine Town Center was discontinued due to low ridership on SEPTA bus Route 306.

July 2012: SEPTA voted best large transit agency in North America by APTA

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 were in service, making up almost one-third of the current 400 car Regional Rail fleet.

June 2013: Markers on monthly passes stopped

In June 2013, SEPTA stopped using sex identification markers on the SEPTA-issued monthly transit passes.

2013: Introduction of NovaBus LFS-A HEV

By 2013, SEPTA was using NovaBus LFS-A HEV.

2013: Act 89 Signed into Law

In 2013, Act 89 was signed into law, which impacted SEPTA's funding from the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission.

2014: Ridership Decrease

From 2014 to 2019, SEPTA ridership had decreased 13% due to factors such as increased competition, structural changes in ridership patterns, and moderate gas prices.

2014: SEPTA labor strike

SEPTA had a labor strike in 2014. SEPTA has had more labor strikes than any other transit agency in the U.S.

2015: Retirement of Neoplan Articulated Buses

By late 2015, the Neoplan articulated buses had been retired and replaced by the NovaBus LFS-A HEV.

July 2016: Structural Flaw Discovered in Silverliner V Cars

In July 2016, a structural flaw was discovered in more than 95% of the 120 Silverliner V cars in the SEPTA regional rail fleet, leading to reduced system capacity.

July 25, 2016: Transportation Issues Expected for Democratic National Convention

In July 2016, the loss of system capacity due to the structural flaw in Silverliner V cars was expected to cause transportation issues for the Democratic National Convention being held in Philadelphia on the week of July 25, 2016.

2016: Introduction of NovaBus LFS-A HEV

By 2016, SEPTA was using NovaBus LFS-A HEV.

2016: Pilot Program for Battery Electric Buses

In 2016, SEPTA launched a pilot program to replace diesel buses with battery electric buses on former trackless trolley routes 29 and 79, ordering 25 buses from Proterra, Inc. and two fast-charging stations.

2016: SEPTA labor strike

SEPTA had a labor strike in 2016. SEPTA has had more labor strikes than any other transit agency in the U.S.

December 2017: SEPTA completed an Environmental Impact Statement to extend the Norristown High Speed Line to the King of Prussia area

As of December 2017, SEPTA had completed an Environmental Impact Statement to extend the Norristown High Speed Line to the King of Prussia area.

2017: Emergency Welding on M-4 Cars

In 2017, 90 Market-Frankford Line M-4 cars had emergency welding to fix cracking steel beams.

2017: Expected Entry of Battery Electric Buses into Service

In 2017, the battery electric buses from Proterra, Inc. were expected to enter service.

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: Discontinuation of Token Sales

On April 30, 2018, SEPTA discontinued the sales of tokens and removed the token vending machines from transit stations.

2018: SEPTA's ridership and size in 2018

As of 2018, SEPTA was the sixth-largest U.S. rapid transit system by ridership and the fifth-largest overall transit system in the nation, with approximately 302 million annual unlinked trips, controlling 290 active stations, over 450 miles of track, 2,350 revenue vehicles, and 196 routes. It also oversaw shared-ride services and ADA services.

2019: Ridership Decrease

From 2014 to 2019, SEPTA ridership had decreased 13% due to factors such as increased competition, structural changes in ridership patterns, and moderate gas prices.

2019: Route 205 Merged into SEPTA's Route 206

In late 2019, Route 205 (Paoli Station to Chesterbrook), formerly operated by Krapf, was merged into SEPTA's own Route 206 (Paoli Station to Great Valley).

March 2020: Ridership Plummets Due to COVID-19

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: SEPTA trialled lean benches at stations

In October 2020, SEPTA trialled the use of lean benches instead of traditional seating at some of its stations to encourage social distancing to prevent the spread the COVID-19.

2020: Permanent Welding on M-4 Cars

In 2020, all Market-Frankford Line M-4 cars, including those temporarily repaired in 2017, had to have more permanent welding to fix cracking steel beams.

2020: SEPTA Ridership in 2020

In 2020, annual ridership was 223.5 million individual rides, with 17.1 million on SEPTA's suburban network, 26.3 million on the regional rail network, and 180.1 million on the city transit network.

2020: Discontinuation of Paper Ticket Sales

In 2020, sales of paper tickets were discontinued on Regional Rail.

2020: Battery Electric Buses Sidelined

In February 2020, the battery electric buses were sidelined due to a defect in their plastic chassis.

2020: PCC cars being rebuilt again by SEPTA

Since 2020, the PCC cars used on SEPTA Route 15 are once again being rebuilt by SEPTA.

April 1, 2021: Last Day for Acceptance of Valid Paper Tickets

April 1, 2021 was the last day that valid paper tickets were accepted on Regional Rail.

April 2, 2021: Paper Tickets No Longer Accepted

As of April 2, 2021, previously purchased paper tickets were no longer accepted on Regional Rail.

September 2021: New York City Subway has the lowest rail stop accessibility in the nation

As of September 2021, the New York City Subway has the lowest accessibility rate for rail stops in the nation at 28%.

September 2021: Lean benches removed

In September 2021, SEPTA concluded trials and removed the lean benches from stations.

September 2021: SEPTA Proposed Rebranding Rail Transit Services as SEPTA Metro

In September 2021, SEPTA proposed rebranding their rail transit services (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" to improve navigation with new maps, signage, and line designations.

2021: Order for 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 the New Flyer D40LF buses that were delivered in 2005 and are currently replacing the New Flyer DE40LF buses that were delivered between 2008-2009.

2021: SEPTA's Operating Expenses for Fiscal Year 2021

SEPTA's total operating expenses for the fiscal year of 2021 amounted to $1,530,984,000. The breakdown includes $1,088,773,000 for Labor and Fringe Benefits, $331,432,000 for Material and Services, $27,313,000 for Propulsion Power, $26,026,000 for Fuel, $24,711,000 for Injury and Damage Claims, $23,875,000 for Depreciation/Contributed Capital, and $8,854,000 for Vehicle and Facility Rentals.

February 2022: SEPTA bus accessibility

As of February 2022, all of SEPTA's buses are fully accessible under the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

June 2022: Reduction in Funding from Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission

As of June 2022, SEPTA no longer receives $180,000,000 annually from the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission due to Act 89.

July 2022: Charles Lawson Appointed Acting Chief of Transit Police

Charles Lawson served as acting chief of the Transit Police starting in July 2022.

August 2022: Introduction of Electronic Tickets

In August 2022, SEPTA introduced the ability to pay for transit rides using electronic tickets purchased through the SEPTA mobile apps for Android and iOS.

December 2022: General Public Release of Electronic Tickets

In December 2022, the electronic ticket feature on the 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: Members of the SEPTA Board

The members of the SEPTA Board as of March 2023.

May 2023: Charles Lawson Appointed Chief of Transit Police

In May 2023, Charles Lawson was appointed chief of the Transit Police.

June 2023: SEPTA Budgeted $40 Million for Rebranding

In June 2023, SEPTA budgeted $40 million for the rebranding of rail transit services to SEPTA Metro.

July 2023: 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: General Availability of Contactless Payments

On September 29, 2023, SEPTA made contactless payments available to the general public for transit rides.

2023: SEPTA remains only U.S. transit authority operating five terrestrial transit vehicle types

In 2023, SEPTA became the only U.S. transit authority operating all five major types of terrestrial transit vehicles (regional commuter rail, rapid transit subway/elevated trains, light rail trolleys, trolleybuses, and motorbuses) after Boston's Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority discontinued trolleybuses.

2023: PCC cars to return with plastic seating

In 2023, the rebuilt PCC cars are scheduled to return and will feature plastic seating.

2023: Transfer point at the Tri-State Mall moved

In 2023, the transfer point at the Tri-State Mall was moved to the Claymont Transportation Center.

2023: Further Reduction in Funding from Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission

In the 2023 fiscal year, funding from the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission was reduced to $50,000,000 as a result of Act 89.

2023: Regional Rail Ridership 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.

December 1, 2024: Increase in Electronic Payment Ride Fare

On December 1, 2024, SEPTA raised the electronic payment ride fare to $2.50, matching the cash base rate.

December 2024: Pilot Program for Contactless Payments on Regional Rail

In December 2024, SEPTA began a limited pilot program to test contactless payments on Regional Rail (excluding Trenton and West Trenton stations).

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.

June 30, 2025: Planned Distribution of Zero Fare Key Cards

SEPTA plans to distribute a further 20,000 Zero Fare Key Cards by June 30, 2025, as part of its 2-year pilot program in partnership with the City of Philadelphia.

2025: Planned General Availability of Contactless Payments on Regional Rail

SEPTA planned general availability of contactless payments on Regional Rail for 2025.

2027: New Alstom streetcars scheduled to enter service

The new 130 low floor streetcars being built and delivered by Alstom are scheduled to enter service between 2027 and 2030 on the Subway-Surface trolleys, Route 15, and the suburban trolleys.

2030: New Alstom streetcars scheduled to enter service

The new 130 low floor streetcars being built and delivered by Alstom are scheduled to enter service between 2027 and 2030 on the Subway-Surface trolleys, Route 15, and the suburban trolleys.