SEPTA Replaces Weekend Trolleys With Buses For Flooding Repairs

PHILADELPHIA — For four weekends, all five SEPTA trolley lines will be replaced with buses due to repairs related to "recent water intrusion" at the trolley substation, SEPTA announced.

Repairs begin this Saturday.

The substation powers the Trolley Tunnel and all five "T" trolley lines. SEPTA didn't say what caused the water intrusion, but Philadelphia has been hit with heavy storms and flash floods recently.

SEPTA has scheduled the outages and repairs for weekends in an effort to avoid unplanned trolley issues during the work week.

But on Monday mornings and afternoons, some T4 and T5 trips will have substitute busing to 40th St Portal.

The tunnel will close on Saturdays, with a gradual transition to busing overnight.

All five T lines will be fully bused from 5 a.m. Saturday until 5 a.m. Monday on the following weekends:

• Saturday, Aug. 29 to Monday, Aug. 31
• Sept. 12-14
• Sept. 19-21
• Sept. 26-28

Repairs are not scheduled for Labor Day weekend.

Buses will make all stops on the trolley routes, SEPTA says. Riders can transfer to the L at 40th and Market Streets for eastbound service to Center City, and from the L to buses at 40th and Market to travel westbound.

Passengers should allow for extra travel time.

"We understand the frustration that these closures cause and appreciate your patience as we undertake these critical repairs," SEPTA said.

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