🚌 Has your SEPTA bus route been eliminated?

It’s finally here! Just in time for the first day of school, the opening phase of the SEPTA bus overhaul is being implemented — it’s the biggest redesign of the system in more than 60 years. Here’s a refresh on what’s changing, where, and why this matters. [Axios]

• What’s changing? Over two dozen routes are being reconfigured. There are two new routes: 72 and 76. Six extended routes include Route 45, 60, and 79. And seven routes have been eliminated, such as 47M and 80. Reduced service will affect several routes, including 17 and 49.
• When to expect changes: Most of these changes were rolled out over the weekend. Today, Route 106 will be eliminated, and SEPTA will extend Route 105 to Paoli Hospital.
• Who will be affected? Riders in South Philly, Kensington, Juniata, the Cheltenham and Lancaster Avenue corridors, and Roxborough will be impacted during the plan’s first phase.
• Here’s why: SEPTA says the changes aim to improve service and reliability and attract new riders, as ridership is still below pre-pandemic levels.
• Context: Approved in 2024, the redesign was delayed by state funding issues. After several tweaks, the plan finally got the green light earlier this year.
• What’s next: As part of the ongoing overhaul, further bus route changes are scheduled for 2027.
• Is your bus route affected? Get detailed information on all service changes through the SEPTA website. [SEPTA]

What’s in the Water in Philly?

Is Grandma right when she says that tap water is good for you? Why does a filter make sink water taste better? Should I pay for fancy water at a restaurant? Philly’s water affects your everyday life and health, and we've got plenty of questions about it. So we sat down with Christine Kirchhoff, an associate professor at Penn State, about best practices when it comes to using tap water in Philly. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

Trump Plans to Deregulate Head Start

The Trump administration is proposing major changes to the Head Start program, such as fewer teachers per child, cutting bilingual instruction, and reduced administrative spending. In Philly, advocates say these moves would weaken the federally funded program’s quality and support for low-income kids. [🔒 The Inquirer]

Philly Schools Roll Out Digital Hall Passes

Philadelphia schools will offer an optional digital hall pass system on all campuses for the school year that begins today, allowing staff to track student movement. Critics raise concerns about surveillance and distractions, while the school district says this will help in conflict prevention as violence between students is a major concern. [Chalkbeat]

• Related: While the state continues to debate whether to institute a cell phone ban across school districts, some principals in Philly aren’t waiting for an answer. [Chalkbeat]
• Plus: Find the latest education news across the state, plus help with back-to-school supplies, here. [City Cast Philly]

Center City Development Could Demolish Phillies Mural

PMC Property Group is planning a 31-story, 372-unit apartment tower on South 24th and Walnut Streets that would replace an existing parking garage and vacant industrial building. On the west side of the building along the Schuylkill River Trail is a Phillies mural known for featuring the likeness of Harry Kalas and Mike Schmidt. [🔒 Philadelphia Business Journal; The Constitutional]

Provenance Triumphs After Polarizing Debut

Chef Nich Bazik has refined the ambitious tasting menu at Provenance, perhaps Philly’s priciest dinner, by focusing on restraint and ingredient-driven dishes. The result, according to this Philly Mag review, is a calmer, more cohesive Michelin-star experience that has quieted skeptics and earned new acclaim. [Philadelphia Magazine]