SEPTA ANNOUNCES LARGEST EXPANSION OF PUBLIC TRANSPOrTATION IN ITS HISTORY

SEPTA has announced 60 initiatives to expand and enhance transportation services for growing employment, retail and residential markets, to alleviate overcrowding and improve mid-day, evening and late-night service.

Most of the initiatives will take place in September and November and come at a time of tremendous growth of public transportation, as commuters seek ways to offset rising gasoline costs and become more environmentally friendly.

“This exciting expansion is dedicated to providing our existing customers with the transit service they expect and deserve; service that is more convenient and designed to accommodate their needs,” said SEPTA General Manager Joseph M. Casey. “No doubt, these new services will attract new customers to our already growing ridership, but our prime purpose is to better serve our core customers.”

The new initiatives include more frequent service, additional peak, off-peak and weekend service and new late-night Regional Rail service. These measures are designed to address issues of overcrowding, assist growing employment, retail and residential markets and provide service for passengers who lack transportation while working unconventional job hours.

“This wonderful expansion of SEPTA service is a direct result of last year's passage by the Pennsylvania legislature of Act 44, which provides long-term predictable funding for state-wide public transportation,” said Casey. “We again express our appreciation to the many citizens and legislators who championed this historic legislation, and especially Governor Rendell, who made it a top priority and fought hard to assure its enactment."