SEPTA Gets $9.8M To Boost South Philly Bus Facilities

PHILADELPHIA — SEPTA is getting nearly $10 million to design and construct two dedicated end-of-route bus facilities in South Philadelphia.

Congressman Dwight Evans (D-PA-3rd) and Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-5th) Monday said SEPTA will get in $9.8 million federal grant funds for the two layover facilities.

These locations will serve nine bus routes — five east-west and four north-south bus routes.

The new facilities will include disability-accessible bus stops with benches, shelters, signage, lighting, safety enhancements, and bathroom facilities for SEPTA bus operators.

The routes and proposed locations for the new centers are:

East-West Routes
G, 7, 29, 64, 79
Proposed location of facility
near Pier 70 in South Philadelphia

North-South Routes
25, 47, 47M, 57
Proposed location of facility
South 3rd Street and West Oregon Avenue

Before the Covid pandemic, these routes provided 65,000 daily trips.

SEPTA said having dedicated, permanent facilities it controls will also allow for savings in maintenance and rental costs that when coupled with modest route modifications will yield nearly $4 million of savings in operating costs annually.

"I’m pleased that more federal funding I voted for is coming back to Philadelphia to improve SEPTA service," Evans said. "And even more funding for SEPTA and other transportation projects will be on the way, thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that I voted for."

"Investments in public transportation are key to future economic growth in our region — helping more people get to and from work, as well as increasing access to commercial centers like those in South Philadelphia near the proposed facility sites," Scanlon said. "Thanks to this grant, SEPTA will be able to improve the travel experience for riders and provide a better work experience for operators. It’s a win-win."

"SEPTA's bus network is vital to mobility in our city and region, connecting hundreds of thousands of riders to work, school, medical appointments and other essential destinations every day," said SEPTA General Manager and CEO Leslie S. Richards. "Funding through this grant provides enhanced customer accessibility while also allowing SEPTA to invest in our frontline operators and provide them with the facilities they need to do their jobs safely. We are grateful for the support of Representatives Evans and Scanlon for making this funding possible and appreciate the City of Philadelphia for partnering with us on this important project."