As Philadelphia’s population continues to grow, the demand for quick and accessible transportation increases. SEPTA’s Forward Program reflects this change, highlighting multiple goals aimed toward a newer and faster network—an upgrade from the current generation of its widely-used mobile transportation.
A few years ago, multiple SEPTA programs announced plans to improve their systems in regards to accessibility, effortlessness, and predictability. Their modernization plan, a united vision and network coined SEPTA Forward, includes three portions: Project METRO rebuilds and allows for a more seamless urban rail transit, Bus Revolution aims to make bus networks more reliable and accessible, and Reimagining Regional Rail plans to largely revamp the system’s schedule and scope of its large rail network.
These initiatives come as a result of SEPTA’s aging urban and suburban rail systems, which are essential to help people reach their destinations. SEPTA claims that by emphasizing modernization, they can create a more efficient, effective, and safe environment for people to use on a daily basis.
SEPTA states that this change will do more than just improving their networks and ridership—it’ll allow for economic advancements. SEPTA confirms their investment into more modern transportation will lead to improvements in the economy and the lives of commuters.
An important part of the authority’s various initiatives is the Trolley Modernization Program. With new and improved infrastructure, SEPTA looks to further communication and accessibility to their trolley network.
SEPTA’s proposed trolley prioritization on roads will “reduce overall trip time by nearly 20%.” Unfortunately, the project will take a long time (possibly completing in 2042) and incur more than $1.6 billion in costs.
Members of the Haverford community who used SEPTA before its recent modernization have had different reactions to the company’s recent changes.
Another portion of SEPTA’s modernization is improvements to the far-reaching Regional Rail system. Primary goals include predictable, consistent schedules, newer trains, and improved track infrastructure. Additionally, SEPTA wants to become ADA-compliant and have more amenities, but the improvements are predicted to cost over $450 million in continued efforts—on top of renovation and installation prices.
For a quicker and more reliable schedule, SEPTA’s Bus Revolution portion includes partnering with PennDOT and the city to improve infrastructure and allow buses to have traffic-signal priority and dedicated lanes. SEPTA also aims to reduce bus emissions and improve facilities like bus stops and transportation centers.
Members of the Haverford community who used SEPTA before its recent modernization have had different reactions to the company’s recent changes.
Physics Teacher Mr. Jamison Maley, who used to ride SEPTA before getting a car, described the system as “consistently inconsistent,” with transportation being unprecedentedly late or early.
SEPTA’s Modernization plan faces adversity in fulfilling its goals. Whether the proposed changes make a rider’s experience any better is yet to be determined.
Sixth Former Davin Schulson said that SEPTA provides an “easy commute,” but that newer vehicles “make changes that aren’t really needed.”
Third Former Sebastian Tall had a different opinion, noting “comfier seats” on buses.
Haverford students report that SEPTA has benefits, yet they also note the need for improvements in reliability and usability.
SEPTA’s Modernization plan faces adversity in fulfilling its goals. Whether the proposed changes make a rider’s experience any better is yet to be determined.
