Newbies' Guide to SEPTA

In September 2024, the average daily ridership across all modes of the Southern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, otherwise known as SEPTA, was 791,101. SEPTA is a vital part of life for many Philadelphians, but it can be confusing and overwhelming for newbies. Here’s a quick guide to the basics of SEPTA and what you need to know if you’re new to the transportation system.

🚆 SEPTA’s Options

Regional Rail

Trains run through Philadelphia and various suburbs in the surrounding area, with stations in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties. It also stops in parts of Delaware and New Jersey. Center City has three stations: Jefferson Station, Suburban Station, and William H. Gray III 30th Street Station.

Subways

The two subway lines are the Market-Frankford Line (MFL) and Broad Street Line (BSL). The MFL is often called the "blue line" or "the el"; it travels an east-west path. The BSL, also called the "orange line," runs beneath Broad Street from the top of North Philly to the stadium complex in South Philly.

Trolley Lines

Eight old-style trolleys, or street cars, operate at both the surface and underground levels. Although partially replaced by bus routes, SEPTA still has the largest streetcar system in the country taking folks to Center City and the suburbs.

Buses

One hundred bus routes carry Philadelphians throughout the city and its surrounding areas. Some bus lines are designated by numbers while others are marked by letters. There are also Night Owl routes that run 24 hours.

Norristown High-Speed Line

This train line connects Philadelphia to parts of Delaware and Montgomery counties. You can also use this line to access the MFL subway, trolley lines, and the Manayunk/Norristown Regional Rail line.

💳 How Payment Works

Many people use the SEPTA Key, which acts as a sort of debit card that you can load money onto and reuse. Buses, trolleys, and subway lines also accept contactless payment methods with a credit/debit card or phone. If you’re only in the city for a day and planning to bounce around, SEPTA offers a One Day Anywhere FleX Pass for $13 which covers 10 rides on buses, trolleys, subways, and trains.

📱 There's a SEPTA App for That

Your SEPTA app has scheduling information, fare options, and an alert for bus cancellations. You can also access your SEPTA Key account and SEPTA Key Tix, which allows you to pay for up to five other people on your account.