Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
A new service designed to help people working overnights in Lower Bucks County is starting up.
SEPTA and transit technology company VIA have partnered to offer a free late-night, on-demand transit service to get workers to their destinations along the existing stops on the 14, 56, and 66 bus routes. The SEPTA Owl Link service will start next Monday and operate between 10:30 p.m. and 6 a.m. seven days per week.
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The service will offer on-demand transportation for overnight workers at stops in Bensalem Township, Bristol Borough, Bristol Township, Penndel Borough, Langhorne Manor Borough, and Middletown Township.
Those looking to use SEPTA Owl Link can download the SEPTA Owl Link app to make reservations or call the SEPTA reservation line at 215-580-7114. The trips can be booked one week in advance and no less than 30 minutes before the ride is slated to begin. Users can choose a pick-up and drop-off location and they will be directed to a nearby “virtual bus stop” that will allow for quick and efficient shared trips.
While rides are free, users will have to validate their trips with their SEPTA Key card.
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Area employers that operate three shifts per day often have trouble getting workers overnight. Transportation issues are often cited as a major stumbling block for many workers, officials said.
“This is a new type of delivery service for SEPTA,” said Bucks County Planning Commission official Rich Brahler.
“SEPTA Owl Link is aimed at closing the first-and-last mile transit gap, or the distance between an existing transit stop and a destination,” SEPTA officials said.
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Existing SEPTA bus routes in Lower Bucks County end their service at or before 10 p.m., Brahler said.
“This innovative partnership with VIA will provide immediate benefits to customers who are traveling to and-from work,” said SEPTA General Manager Leslie Richards. “This on-demand service will help ensure that third-shift workers have safe, reliable and affordable options as they plan for job-related travel. This pilot program also gives SEPTA an opportunity to evaluate this type of first-and-last mile service for other locations.”
SEPTA Owl Link is the uses VIA’s “integrated mobility solution” platform to allow passengers to book and view their journey.
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Local transportation advocacy organization TMA Bucks is pleased with the program.
“TMA Bucks is thrilled to see SEPTA supporting the Bucks County economy by making sure businesses in lower Bucks County have access to a qualified workforce for all shifts,” said TMA Bucks Executive Director Stephen Noll. “Expanding transit access to job opportunities is always a win-win for employers and employees. We look forward to working with SEPTA to market and promote this important pilot project.”
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