Author Archives: Lauren Amway Fink

SEPTA Readying System for Unpredictable Winter Weather

SEPTA is getting ready for winter weather and all the unexpected conditions that come along with this time of year.  SEPTA frontline crews are making the necessary preparations to ensure that all transportation modes remain safe for riders, and customer communications procedures and protocols are being updated to ensure more timely delivery of service status information.

Enhanced Communication

SEPTA is addressing how it communicates with riders and the public during extreme weather events. While crews in the field move quickly to clear downed trees and help maintain safe travel, new measures are being implemented to improve communication of real-time information that customers need to plan their travel and respond to severe weather. This includes ensuring that staff in the field are providing customers with the latest details, along with announcements and updates online.

The SEPTA App is a great resource for customers making their travel plans or adjusting to inclement weather.  The SEPTA App received major upgrades earlier this month.  The new and improved app allows customers to get real-time travel updates, plan trips, manage their Key Cards, and connect with Customer Service and Transit Police, all in one place. The App is available for download from the App Store or Google Play. Full details on new features, how to download and how to provide feedback is available at https://wwww.septa.org/app/.

Customers should also bookmark the SEPTA website –  https://www.septa.org/ – and follow SEPTA’s social media accounts for real time communication on SEPTA service and other information.  The full listing of official SEPTA social media accounts is available at  https://wwww.septa.org/customer-service/social-media/

Here’s what customers can expect by mode:

Regional Rail:

Frozen switches and ice on overhead wires or the electrical poles on top of rail cars can delay or shut down Regional Rail service.

Maintenance crews work to keep the corridor between Center City Philadelphia and Lansdale open so SEPTA can continue to provide service on the main branch if frozen switches prevent trains from operating on other lines.

Amtrak owns the tracks on which the Wilmington/Newark, Paoli/Thorndale, and Trenton Lines operate. SEPTA works with Amtrak to resolve weather-related problems.

Broad Street & Market-Frankford Lines:

The Broad Street Line [B] and Market-Frankford Line [L] are best bets for riders during severe winter storms.

SEPTA keeps the cars ready for service by storing them overnight in tunnels and maintenance car houses. Crews are assigned to keep station entrances, platforms and sidewalks clean of ice and snow.

Bus Routes & Trolley Lines:

During a winter snow or ice emergency, SEPTA will attempt to operate all bus service, although a large number of routes may be detoured. We try to maintain service without detours on our most heavily used routes, which generally operate over streets that have been given a high priority for snow removal.

SEPTA ACCESS (formerly CCT Connect):

Depending on road conditions, full CCT service may be provided in some areas, while limited or no service may be provided in others.

During extreme weather conditions when CCT service is suspended, every effort will be made to continue service for kidney dialysis and other urgent, critically-needed medical treatment.

Weather Preparation and Clearing for Regional Rail:

SEPTA has a program in place for weather preparations as well as clearing parking lots and platforms at SEPTA’s Regional Rail stations. An in-house “Snow Team” monitors weather forecasts and conditions to determine the best time to send out our internal and contractor forces. Generally, snow removal starts when the snow stops. But with a service area covering 2200 square miles, the exact time may vary depending on conditions.

SEPTA uses third-party contractors for platform and parking lot snow removal and salting at all Regional Rail stations. Each contractor is responsible for eight to 10 stations. Once they go out it will take some time to get all stations cleared.  SEPTA maintenance forces may also be deployed, in advance of the contractor’s arrival, to clear steps and walkways.

 

SEPTA New Year’s Eve Modified Service & Bus Detours, and New Year’s Day Modified Service

The Visit PA New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront features two shows, one at 6 pm and the second at midnight, over the Delaware River. To avoid traffic, take the Market-Frankford Line [L] to 2nd Street Station or Bus Routes 51217212533 or 42.

New Year’s Eve Modified Service & Bus Detours

On New Year’s Eve, Regional Rail trains operate on a weekday schedule with special late-night service. The late-night New Year’s Eve schedules include added service on the following lines:

  • Chestnut Hill East Line
  • Fox Chase Line
  • Lansdale/Doylestown Line
  • Manayunk/Norristown Line
  • Media/Wawa Line
  • Paoli/Thorndale Line
  • Trenton Line
  • Warminster Line
  • West Trenton Line
  • Wilmington/Newark Line

Find specific New Year’s Eve train times for each Regional Rail line. Please consult regular schedules for other information such as earlier trains arriving in Center City, fare zones and wheelchair accessibility.

All metro lines and bus routes operate on a weekday schedule. Additional trains on the Broad Street Line [B] and Market-Frankford Line [L] will operate before and after the New Year’s Eve fireworks at Penn’s Landing, with late night trains available.

In preparation for the Mummers Parade, the following bus routes will be detoured beginning at 8:15 am on 15th Street between JFK Boulevard and Chestnut Street: 4, 16, 17, 27, 31, 32, 33, 38, 44, 48, 62, 124, 125, BSO and MFO. Always refer to SEPTA’s Alerts and Detours page for the details and the latest information.

New Year’s Day Modified Service

On New Year’s Day, Regional Rail, Metro and buses operate on a Sunday schedule.

Bus routes 204, 310, 311 and LUCY will not run on New Year’s Day.

View alerts, advisories and detours across the system. To get the latest service news, call Customer Service at 215-580-7800 or follow SEPTA @SEPTA.

 

SEPTA Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Modified Service Information

If you’re riding SEPTA on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, make sure to check your schedule as all modes will be running on modified service.

Christmas Eve Modified Service Schedules

On Christmas Eve, Metro, buses and Regional Rail will operate on a weekday schedule.

Christmas Day Modified Service & Special Regional Rail Timetables

On Christmas Day, Metro and buses will operate on a Sunday schedule.

Bus routes 204, 310, 311 and LUCY will not run on Christmas Day.

All Regional Rail lines will run on special Christmas schedules, see specific changes for each line below:

View System Status for alerts, advisories and detours across the system. To get the latest service news, call Customer Service at 215-580-7800 or follow SEPTA @SEPTA. Customer Service is open on Christmas Eve from 8 am – 5 pm and Christmas Day from 8 am – 4:30 pm.

PennDOT to Host ‘REAL ID Day’ on Dec. 16 at Granite Run Driver License Center: Select Centers Offer Extra Hours for REAL ID Issuance

Media, PA – To help ensure Pennsylvanians are prepared for the upcoming federal REAL ID enforcement deadline of May 7, 2025, PennDOT announced that it will hold special REAL ID service hours at its Granite Run Driver License Center at 1067 West Baltimore Pike in Media on Dec. 16 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

“We’re doing everything we can to make sure our customers are prepared for REAL ID enforcement on May 7, 2025,” said PennDOT Deputy Secretary for Driver and Vehicle Services, Kara Templeton. “Offering these special hours on a day when the Granite Run center is normally closed gives our customers who may want to get a REAL ID another opportunity to be prepared.”

More than 2.5 million Pennsylvanians have chosen to opt into the REAL ID program. Getting a REAL ID is optional in Pennsylvania, but beginning May 7, 2025, Pennsylvanians will need a REAL ID-compliant license/identification card, or another form of federally acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID) to:

Board domestic commercial flights.

Enter a military base.

Enter certain federal facilities that require a federally acceptable form of ID.

If you’re not sure whether a REAL ID is right for you, our REAL ID online wizard may be able to help.

Federal REAL ID regulations require that PennDOT must verify the below documents:

-Proof of Identity: examples include an original or certified copy of a birth certificate filed with the State Office of Vital Records/Statistics with a raised/embossed seal, or a valid, unexpired U.S. Passport.

-Proof of Social Security Number (proof must display currently legal name and full nine digits of the Social Security Number): examples include a Social Security card, a W-2 form, a SSA-1099 form, a non-SSA-1099 form, or a pay stub.

-Two Proofs of Current, Physical PA Address: examples include a current, unexpired PA driver’s license or identification card, vehicle registration, or a utility bill with the same name and address.

-Proof of all Legal Name Changes (if current legal name is different than what is reflected on proof of identity document): examples include certified marriage certificate(s) issued by the County Court for each marriage, court order(s) approving a change in legal name, or adoption decree issued by your county’s family court.

-Note: If current name is the same as what is reflected on the proof of identity document (usually birth certificate or passport), show proof of legal name change does not need to be shown.

More information about REAL ID document requirements can be found on PennDOT’s REAL ID website.

When a customer gets their first REAL ID product, they will pay a one-time fee of $30, plus the applicable renewal fee (the current renewal fee is $39.50 for a four-year non-commercial driver’s license and $42.50 for a photo ID). The expiration date of their initial REAL ID product will include any time remaining on their existing non-REAL ID product, plus an additional four years, unless the customer is over 65 and has a two-year license. This expiration date structure means that the customer won’t lose time that they’ve already paid for. After the initial REAL ID product expires, the customer will pay no additional fee beyond regular renewal fees to renew a REAL ID product.

After customers present the proper documentation and pay the applicable fee, customers may obtain a REAL ID-compliant product by:

Receiving the product in the mail within 15 days, if application was made at a Driver License Center, such as the Granite Run Driver License Center. Receiving the product over the counter, if application was made at one of PennDOT’s 14 REAL ID Centers.

Customers who received their first Pennsylvania driver’s license, learner’s permit, or photo ID card AFTER September 1, 2003, may already have their REAL ID documentation on file with PennDOT. These customers can apply for REAL ID pre-verification and order their REAL ID-compliant product online.

For a full list of driver license centers, REAL ID Centers, and services offered, please visit the PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services website at www.dmv.pa.gov and click on Find A Location.

For more information on REAL ID, visit PennDOT.pa.gov/REALID. REAL ID is optional for Pennsylvanians, but will be required for domestic air travel and entry to certain federal facilities after the May 7, 2025, deadline. A passport will still be required for international travel.

#PennDOT #RealID #domesticflight #dmv

SEPTA Postpones Large Fare Increase Following Gov. Shapiro Funding Announcement

PHILADELPHIA (November 22, 2024) – Today, Gov. Shapiro announced stop-gap funding that will help SEPTA fill its operating budget deficit for this year, Fiscal Year 2025. This will enable SEPTA to postpone a major 21.5% fare increase that was proposed to start January 1, 2025. Public hearings for the proposal, scheduled for Dec. 13, have been cancelled.

“The governor’s continued support for SEPTA and public transportation is greatly appreciated, and it gives us a lifeline,” said SEPTA Chief Operating Officer Scott Sauer. “SEPTA will continue to focus on providing safe, clean and reliable public transportation while taking steps to cut costs and enhance efficiency throughout the organization.”

The $153 million being flexed to SEPTA at the direction of Gov. Shapiro covers SEPTA’s projected operating budget gap through the current fiscal year, which ends on June 30, 2025. However, SEPTA still faces an annual, structural budget deficit of at least $240 million without a permanent solution to Pennsylvania’s public transportation funding crisis.

Like many other transit agencies across the nation, SEPTA has hit a fiscal cliff as a result of the pandemic. One-time federal COVID relief funds were used to help cover the everyday expenses of running the system – maintaining service during the pandemic and supporting the post-pandemic recovery. Those funds were exhausted this past spring, creating a nearly quarter billion dollar annual budget deficit in the current fiscal year and beyond.

SEPTA’s Board on Thursday approved a plan that will increase fares by an average of 7.5% starting on Dec. 1. That fare increase is not impacted by today’s announcement. The larger, 21.5% proposal was announced recently, after the state legislature adjourned for the year without approving a plan proposed by Gov. Shapiro that would have provided new, sustainable funding for SEPTA and all public transit across the Commonwealth.

SEPTA will continue to work with its funding partners in Harrisburg on a long-term funding solution in the coming months. In the meantime, the Authority will have to prepare for the possibility of large fare increases and service cuts starting in summer 2025 if new funding is not in place.

For more information about SEPTA, please visit https://wwww.septa.org/.

SEPTA Contract Negotiations Update and Revised Service Interruption Plan 11/18/24

SEPTA Contract Negotiations Update

Potential Work Stoppage by City and Suburban Transit Division Workers Could Begin as Early as Tomorrow, Tuesday, November 19

Would Reduce SEPTA Service to Only Regional Rail and Limited Contract Service

As SEPTA and Transportation Workers Union (TWU) Local 234 continue to engage in good-faith negotiations toward reaching a new contract for the Authority’s City Transit Division workers, we wanted to advise you that the contracts with the unions representing Suburban Transit operators and mechanics are set to expire this week.

A simultaneous work stoppage by both City and Suburban Transit Division employees could begin as soon as tomorrow, Tuesday, November 19 and would severely limit SEPTA service.  Only Regional Rail, Paratransit (CCT Connect/SEPTA Access), and contracted services like LUCY would operate. 

SEPTA’s current contracts with SMART 1594 and TWU 234 Victory – which represents more than 530 operators and mechanics at SEPTA’s Victory District – expires tonight, November 18 at 11:59 PM.  The current contract between SEPTA and TWU 234 Frontier – which represents more than 200 operators and mechanics at SEPTA’s Frontier District – expires at 11:59 PM on Saturday, November 23.  These follow the expiration of SEPTA’s contract with TWU 234 on November 7.

While strike authorization votes have been taken, those actions do not necessarily mean there will be a work stoppage when contracts expire.  SEPTA management and union leadership will continue productive, good faith negotiations to reach a fair agreement and avoid a work stoppage.

This is a changing situation, and SEPTA encourages customers to monitor the SEPTA website, social media platforms and local media outlets for updated information about what service will operate in the event of a work stoppage by one or both of the City and Suburban Transit Divisions.

Important Resources & Links to Share and Follow
SEPTA Website – https://www.septa.org/

Service Interruption Guide –  https://wwww.septa.org/news/service-interruption-information/

X / Twitter  @SEPTA | @SEPTA_Social | @SEPTANews | @SEPTAPHILLY

Facebook   https://www.facebook.com/ISEPTAPHILLY/

Instagram   https://www.instagram.com/septaphilly/

Telephone –

·       Customer Service Call Center: 215-580-7800 (Para Información en Español llame al Luego marque el número 2)

·       CCT Customer Service: 215-580-7145

·       SEPTA Key: 855-567-3782

SERVICE INFORMATION – What Service Will & Will Not Operate
A concurrent work stoppage by City and Suburban Transit Divisions would impact the Service Interruption Plan SEPTA had developed in preparation for a potential City Transit Division work stoppage.  The Service Interruption Guide posted on SEPTA’s website at https://wwww.septa.org/news/service-interruption-information/ will be updated with new information and travel guidance for customers as contract statuses and negotiations dictate.

In the event of a simultaneous work stoppage by TWU 234 and SMART 1594, the following SEPTA services will not operate:

·       All City and Suburban Buses

·       Market-Frankford Line [L]

·       Broad Street Line [B]

·       City Trolleys [T] (10,11,13,15,34,36]

·       Suburban Trolleys [D] (Media-Sharon Hill – Routes 201/102)

·       Norristown High Speed Line [M]

Following are the only SEPTA services that will operate:

·       All 13 Regional Rail Lines

·       SEPTA Access (CCT Connect) – Paratransit and Senior Shared Ride

·       Contracted Services – LUCY (Loop through University City), Routes 310, 311, 204

All 13 Regional Rail Lines – Regional Rail service – including service to more than 50 stations in the City of Philadelphia – will operate on timetables posted on the Service Interruption Guide page. Additional trains will be added to some Lines and trains may make additional stops to accommodate anticipated ridership increases. Timetables and other information are posted at: https://wwww.septa.org/news/service-interruption-information/.

 LUCY (Loop through University City) – Green and Gold Loop service will operate regular routing from William H. Grey III 30th Street Station to selected University City destinations.

 SEPTA Access (CCT Connect) – Regular service will operate for registered ADA and Shared Ride customers. Customers may experience some delays due to increased demand and local street traffic.

FARE INFORMATION
All regular Regional Rail and transit fares will apply. Fares must be purchased before boarding. No cash will be accepted at entry gates or on platforms. Contactless payment is not accepted on Regional Rail trains; riders should have Travel Wallet funds or a valid pass loaded to their Key card.

Travel Wallet: Key Cards can be loaded online at SEPTAKey.org, by contacting the Call Center at 855-567-3782 or from Fare Kiosk located at Center City Rail Stations and SEPTA Sales Offices and participating retailers.

Quick Trips: Valid on the day purchased for one-way travel on Regional Rail trains purchased from Fare Kiosks or Sales Offices and needed for entry to the paid area at the stations. Prices vary by zone.

Using Monthly/Weekly TransPass+ and Zone One TrailPass for Regional Rail travel within the City of Philadelphia: Monthly TransPass+ or Zone One (1) TrailPasses loaded on SEPTA Key Cards will be valid for travel at all times, to all Regional Rail stations within the City of Philadelphia (with the exception of Forest Hills and Somerton).

Special Note About Tapping: Unlike tapping once for travel on buses and subway, Regional Trail Train trips require customers to tap at the station where they board AND the station they exit. This prevents overpayment.

Transit Pass Redemption:  Unused TransPass+ passes, purchased before a service interruption, will be eligible for a full or partial refund. Customers should contact the Key Call Center at 855-567-3782 to request a refund for any unused or partially used Transit Passes.

** General fare information is available on SEPTA’s website at https://wwww.septa.org/fares/.  Per trip costs are based on Zone/Distance and will be charged to Key card account balance.

CUSTOMER TRAVEL INFORMATION
During a work stoppage, customers are advised to plan ahead, pre-purchase fares and leave additional time before traveling.

All service interruption information will posted on the Service Interruption Guide page on SEPTA’s website – https://wwww.septa.org/news/service-interruption-information/ – and will also be accessible through the SEPTA homepage https://www.septa.org.

SEPTA Customer Service – 215-580-7800 | @SEPTA_Social – will operate with extended hours. Please visit www.septa.org and follow local media outlets for additional news and service updates.

SEPTA Key Customer Service Call Center – 855-567-3782 – hours are: Weekdays 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM and Weekends 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM.

SEPTA Ambassadors will also be deployed to Regional Rail stations throughout the City to provide assistance and information to customers during the morning and evening commutes.

Parking is available at most SEPTA Regional Rail stations. Surface lots $2.00, Garages $4.00.

Changes to Evening Boarding at Center City Regional Rail Stations – SEPTA is alerting customers to changes to Regional Rail boarding that will be in place at Center City Regional Rail stations during evening travel hours, from 2:45 PM to 7:00 PM at William H. Gray III 30th Street, Suburban, Jefferson, Temple University and Penn Medicine stations.  Riders will be directed to wait in line at the concourse level to ensure safety and avoid overcrowding on platforms.

SEPTA Fare Adjustment Public Hearings on October 16, 2024 at 10AM & 4pm

SEPTA announced proposed fare adjustments, including the elimination of a number of discounts, as the Authority faces a $240 million annual budget deficit with the exhaustion of federal COVID relief funds. Complete details on the fare proposal, including fare tables, tariffs and public hearing information are available on SEPTA’s website at https://wwww.septa.org/bulletins/fall-2024-proposed-fare-adjustments/

Public hearings will be held on October 16 at 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Interested individuals will be able to participate in-person, at SEPTA Headquarters, or virtually via WebEx. Individuals may submit comments via email on the proposed fare modifications to operatingbudget@septa.org, provide oral comments via voicemail by calling 215-580-7772, or file written comments by mailing to the Director of Operating Budgets, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, 1234 Market St., 9th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107. To be included in the official public record, comments must be received by Friday, October 18, 2024, at 5:00 PM.  Information on how your constituents can provide comment and feedback is available on the Fall 2024 Proposed Fare Adjustments page on SEPTA’s website.

Pending approval by the SEPTA Board on November 21, these proposed fare adjustments would go into effect on December 1.

SEPTA Phased Reinstatement of Parking Fees Continues- Update 10/5/24

SEPTA is reminding customers of the continued phased reinstatement of parking fees at surface lots and parking garages.   Full details – including information on the new parking app – are posted on SEPTA’s website at https://wwww.septa.org/news/parking-fee-reinstatement/.

New SEPTA Park App Now Available for Download –

For added convenience, SEPTA is offering customers multiple options to pay for parking, including the SEPTA Park app, which is now available for download in the Apple Store or Google Play Store.

At Stations, traditional slot boxes are being phased out and replaced with modern pay stations, which are being installed at all surface lots and garages. The new system will provide several convenient options to pay for parking: customers will enter the license plate number to pay for parking, not the space number.  These pay stations will accept credit/debit card, contactless payment (Apple, Google, Samsung Pay) and coins.

Customers should visit the Parking Fee Reinstatement page on SEPTA’s website to see when parking fees resume at their station and to prepare for travel by downloading the SEPTA Park App and learning more about the different ways to pay.

What to Know –

Schedule:

The phased launch began on September 23 and will continue through approximately November 15. Customers can view the complete schedule by visiting https://wwww.septa.org/news/parking-fee-reinstatement/. Stations coming on this week:

+ Monday (10/7): Cornwells Heights Station (Trenton Line)

+ Monday (10/7): Croydon Station (Trenton Line)

+ Monday (10/7): Bethayres Station (West Trenton Line)

+ Monday (10/7): Woodbourne Station (West Trenton Line)

+ Monday (10/7): Philmont Station (West Trenton Line)

+ Wednesday (10/9): Langhorne Station (West Trenton Line)

+ Wednesday (10/9): Somerton Station (West Trenton Line)

+ Wednesday (10/9): Yardley Station (West Trenton Line)

+ Wednesday (10/9): Warminster Station (Warminster Line)

+ Wednesday (10/9): Ardsley Station (Warminster Line)

+ Friday (10/11): Bryn Mawr Station (Paoli Line)

+ Friday (10/11): Haverford Station (Paoli Line)

+ Friday (10/11): Overbrook Station (Paoli Line)

+ Friday (10/11): Radnor Station (Paoli Line)

+ Friday (10/11): Colmar Station (Lansdale/Doylestown Line)

+ Friday (10/11): 69th Street Transportation Center (Market Frankford [L])

Fees:

·       As part of the reinstatement, daily parking rates at SEPTA-owned surface lots will increase to $2 from $1 and to $4 from $2 at the three garages: Frankford Transportation Center, Norristown, and Lansdal

·       Parking at surface lots will remain free on weekends and major holidays.

Other Tips:

·       Monthly permit parking fees at SEPTA-operated station surface lots and parking garages remain suspended until further notice.

·       All license plates must be visible from the parking aisles.  Customers are instructed to do not back in or pull through.

Collection of parking fees had been suspended for about four years during the pandemic and to attract customers back to the system in recovery.  Ridership on Regional Rail continues to grow, particularly on weekends, and SEPTA is addressing this increased customer demand with service adjustments included in the new Regional Rail schedules that went into effect on September 8.

PennDOT to Host In-Person Public Meeting for the Route 352 and U.S. 1 Improvement Project in Middletown Township, Delaware County

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) invites the public to attend an in-person public meeting on Thursday, September 26, for the upcoming project to improve travel and safety on Route 352 and U.S. 1 in Middletown Township, Delaware County.

This project includes the reconstruction and reconfiguration of the interchanges of U.S. 1 (Baltimore Pike) with Route 352 (Middletown Road) and U.S. 1 (Media Bypass) with Baltimore Pike. The project also includes improvements at the adjacent intersections of U.S. 1 (Baltimore Pike) with Route 452 (Pennell Road), and Route 352 (Middletown Road) with Route 452 (Pennell Road).

Members of the public can attend an in-person public meeting on Thursday, September 26, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Middletown Township Administration Building.  The meeting will be conducted as an Open House Plans Display where citizens will have the opportunity to circulate among the subject displays to gather information and discuss the different facets of the project with PennDOT’s design team.

For more information on the upcoming meetings, project resources and other project information, please visit www.pa352us1delco.com