City Lends Support for SEPTA’s Comprehensive Bus Network Redesign
An initial study released today confirms the need for larger study, but concludes that redesigning SEPTA’s bus network will benefit riders.

PHILADELPHIA – City officials today commended SEPTA for taking the first step toward its Comprehensive Bus Network Redesign (CBNR) project with the release of the Philadelphia Bus Network Choices Report.

“The City welcomes SEPTA’s release of the Philadelphia Bus Network Choices Report. This report provides a sober diagnosis of the prospects and challenges facing our beloved bus system in a rapidly changing environment and systematic ideas for ensuring quality bus service is a cornerstone of Philadelphia’s transportation landscape,” said Michael Carroll, Deputy Managing Director of the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems.

“This report does not constitute a recipe for the future of bus service in Philadelphia, more a thorough catalogue of ingredients. The choices report gives clarity to the benefits and trade-offs of different approaches and sets the stage for the important work that lies ahead. We are committed to thoughtful engagement among the City and SEPTA, City Council, and our constituents and customers. We are grateful for a thorough and insightful document which provides a solid foundation for that task,” said Carroll.

The study conducted by transportation consultants JWA made the following recommendations:

  1. Redesign the bus network to increase ridership and enable people to get to more places, sooner
  2. Reallocate redundant service and focus on frequent lines
  3. Examine trade-offs between coverage and ridership goals
  4. Focus service on transit centers and better links to regional rail
  5. Remove fare penalties for transfers

This marks the first time that SEPTA will undertake a wholesale review of its bus network. Although the next phase of CBNR planning will last between two and three years, the City and SEPTA will begin taking steps to modernize and update the bus system starting this year, including projects such as:

  • Working on expansion of Direct Bus service
  • Addressing operational issues on key transit corridors
  • Continuing the rollout of new bus shelters that began two years ago

To download the full CBNR report, visit: www.septa.org/bus-network.

###