Phase 1 of SEPTA’s New Bus Network went into effect on Aug. 23, which includes two new routes and six route extensions.
“These changes are focused on enhancing reliability and service frequency and will help riders travel more efficiently throughout our area,” said SEPTA General Manager Scott A. Sauer. “Along with new maps and signs, riders will be able to navigate the system more easily.”
In preparation, SEPTA has been conducting an extensive education campaign to help ensure rider awareness of the improvements and a seamless implementation of the changes. SEPTA is holding 300 pop-up events at 42 locations across the system. Since 2021, the Authority has also conducted 500 community events, 40 virtual meetings and 12 public hearings.
New Routes
• Route 72 will provide a new east/west connection from Frankford Transit Center to Cedarbrook Plaza via Cheltenham Avenue.
• Route 76 will provide a new north/south connection from Rising Sun Loop to Columbus Commons via Pier 70. It will operate on G Street, Frankford Avenue and Columbus Boulevard.
Route Extensions
• Route 45 extends service to the Navy Yard seven days a week.
• Route 79 extends service between South and West Philadelphia to 40th Street Station on the L.
Discontinued Routes: The following routes will be discontinued in New Bus Network Phase 1: 35, 47M, 62, 78, 80, 89 and 106.
There are a variety of resources available for riders to get the information they need to navigate the new network.
Riders can use the New Bus Network Trip Planner to preview what their journey now looks like.
All trip planning and interactive schedules on SEPTA.org, the SEPTA App and third-party apps like Google Maps, Apple Maps and Transit have transitioned over to the new network.
Riders will also notice new bus stop signs at all affected stops, featuring:
- “Frequent red” color indicating routes that come every 15 minutes or better
- Reflective SEPTA Bus Symbol that makes the stop easier to find and improves safety after dark
- Name of the stop clearly identified to help with navigation
- More detailed information when a bus has multiple possible destinations, matching the signs on the front of the bus
- Clearer and more standardized typography, symbols and organization, matching maps, schedules and digital tools
These changes represent the first comprehensive redesign of SEPTA’s bus network in its 63-year history.
A complete list of new Bus and Metro schedules is available at www.septa.org/news/bus-metro schedules/. For complete information on Phase 1 changes and public engagement opportunities visit www.septa.org/initiatives/bus/phase-one/ ••
