SEPTA is look at reimagining its Regional Rail service.
The transit agency that serves the Philadelphia region is undertaking a yearlong analysis and public feedback process to rethink the Regional Rail system.
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“‘Reimagining Regional Rail’ is a key initiative of SEPTA Forward, the Authority’s strategic plan, to revamp SEPTA’s services and deliver a seamless transit network to keep our region moving throughout the 21st century,” SEPTA said in a press release.
The Trenton and West Trenton regional rail lines run through the Levittown area.
Prior to the pandemic, Regional Rail served 132,000 riders per day, but many have not returned over the past year.
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SEPTA officials said that many people who could use Regional Rail service choose not to due to a number of reasons, including higher fares, infrequent service, and accessibility.
“With Reimagining Regional Rail, nothing is off limits,” said SEPTA General Manager and CEO Leslie Richards, who previously led PennDOT. “We are rethinking frequency, route lengths, fares, connections to buses and rail transit and more — all in the name of making Regional Rail more useful to more people.”
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Transit advocates have long said SEPTA needs to revamp Regional Rail service, which is based around 9-to-5 commuters traveling to and from the the city for work.
“SEPTA needs to hear from everyone – people who currently ride Regional Rail, people who used to ride, and people who have never ridden, as well as operators, staff, and other stakeholders. SEPTA is launching a survey to gather feedback and hosting a virtual meeting to kickoff this process,” officials said in a statement.
The transit agency said they plan to work through summer 2022 to look at ways to change Regional Rail service. The feedback will look at short-term and long-term improvements to services, schedules, and fare polices.
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“Thanks to our region’s legacy of investments in rail infrastructure, including the Center City Commuter Tunnel which linked together two iconic railroads, Philadelphia has the best regional rail infrastructure in North America,” said SEPTA Assistant General Manager of Planning Jody Holton. “It is time we reimagine our system based on the region’s changing and diverse travel needs — not just 9-to-5 commutes to work.”
The survey comes as SEPTA looks at redesigning the bus network, rebranding of the subway system, modernizing trolley service, updating the King of Prussia rail line, and making an ” equitable transit network.”
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SEPTA officials said they want to hear from those who ride Regional Rail, people who used to ride, and those who have never ridden, as well as operators, staff, and other stakeholders. SEPTA has launched a survey to gather feedback and will be hosting a virtual meeting to kickoff this process.
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