2023 Revisited
December 22, 2023
A quick look back at some of the highlights and honorable mentions from 2023.
JANUARY
In January - SEPTA partnered with ENON Tabernacle Baptist Church and the Salvation Army Eastern PA & DE to raise awareness in the region and on the system of the Human Trafficking Awareness Hotline. Under this partnership – SEPTA displayed the National Human Trafficking Hotline across all digital screens on the system.
While January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month – human trafficking happens every day and SEPTA encourages everyone to be part of the solution by learning how to spot the signs. Human trafficking is a report category on the SEPTA Transit Watch app – which gives riders the ability to discreetly report safety and security issues to SEPTA Transit Police.
Also in January - SEPTA announced two new major hires at the Authority. Ronald Keele was appointed as the Authority’s Chief Safety Officer and Emmanuella Myrthil was appointed as the Authority’s Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer. Both Keele and Myrthil report to SEPTA General Manager/CEO Leslie S. Richards.
FEBRUARY
In February – Route 135 became official! SEPTA began operating Route 135 - formerly Krapf Route A - in August 2021. The route operates between West Chester and Coatesville via Exton Square Mall. And marks an expansion of SEPTA’s service area within Chester County.
At their February 2023 meeting - the SEPTA Board approved a contract for the purchase of 10 fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs) made in the United States by New Flyer of America. The purchase will allow SEPTA to evaluate this technology as the Authority develops plans for a zero-emission bus fleet. FCEBs are powered by electricity derived from hydrogen fuel cells, resulting in zero tailpipe emissions and improved air quality for riders, neighbors, and communities. Hydrogen buses offer similar range and performance as diesel-hybrid buses with quieter operation, lower maintenance costs, and less than half the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions. At a cost of $17,051,216.78 - the contract includes delivery of 10 40-foot low floor fuel cell electric buses, fueling infrastructure, training aids, and tools, and equipment. The cost is partially subsidized with a $1.5 million Low to No Emission Vehicle Deployment program (LoNo) grant from Federal Transit Administration. The new vehicles are expected to be implemented by summer 2024. These 10 vehicles will operate out of the Midvale District which is SEPTA’s largest bus depot. These will be added to one of the cleanest bus fleets in the nation as over 90% of SEPTA’s current buses are electric-diesel hybrids. SEPTA is exploring the new FCEBs for operation across the entire bus network.
Also in February – The SEPTA Board awarded a contract to Alstom Transportation Inc. for the purchase of modern, fully ADA-compliant trolley vehicles to replace the Authority’s entire aging fleet of trolleys. This represents a major step forward for Trolley Modernization – SEPTA’s program to transform the nation’s largest trolley network into an accessible, fast, and easy-to-use system. Under the contract - SEPTA will receive 130 trolleys with the option to order up to 30 additional vehicles. The total contract amount for the base order is $714,239,455. Delivery of the new trolleys is scheduled to begin in 2027 with full fleet delivery by the end of 2030. The new trolleys will be longer and have higher capacity to move more passengers. The fleet will feature low floors and ramps; wider pathways; audio and visual messaging systems to communicate upcoming stops and service changes; and designated open space for wheelchairs, walkers, strollers, and bicycles. The current trolley vehicles have served riders since the early 1980s.
MARCH
In March - SEPTA announced it was moving forward with the construction of a new Wissahickon Transportation Center which will enhance the customer experience at the busy bus station on Ridge Avenue. At its February 2023 meeting - the SEPTA Board awarded three contracts for a total of $28,313,154 to construction contractors: $22,292,654 to Daniel J. Keating Company for general construction; $4,203,000 to Carr and Duff, LLC for electrical construction; and $1,817,500 to Edward J. Meloney, Inc. for mechanical construction.This project allows SEPTA to expand the existing Wissahickon Transportation Center, significantly improving operations, safety, and accessibility. It includes the construction of ADA-compliant boarding areas, new signage, and weather protection. Work is expected to begin this spring. SEPTA gathered with elected officials and other stakeholders in May 2023 to break ground on the new Wissahickon Transportation Center. Construction on the approximately $45 million project is expected to be completed in 2025. The work will be phased to minimize the disruption to bus service, as well as vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic. The current Wissahickon Transportation Center will remain open while the new facility is being built.
SEPTA released its first Transformation Office Annual Progress Report on Tuesday, March 2, 2023. The report details the progress made in the first year of SEPTA's Efficiency & Accountability (E&A) Program - a systematic approach to identifying and implementing process efficiencies and cultural improvements. The E&A Program - which began in 2020 - is a grassroots framework to brainstorm, evaluate, prioritize, and implement employee-driven efficiency initiatives while simultaneously improving collaboration. At the conclusion of the first year - SEPTA recognized $38.3 million in annual recurring benefits – nearly 38% of the plan’s total estimated benefits. The program demonstrates SEPTA's commitment to being a responsible steward of public funding and an organization worthy of additional public investment.
Also in March - SEPTA awarded a contract to advance accessibility improvements on three subway stations. Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. will do architectural, design, and construction-related services for Lombard-South and Ellsworth-Federal Stations on the Broad Street Line and Chinatown Station on the Broad-Ridge Spur. These stations were built decades before the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and are currently only accessible via stairs. Improvements that will make these stations fully ADA accessible and in a state of good repair include: elevator installation, platform renovation, new signage, lighting, and security cameras, and waterproofing. Thanks in part to federal infrastructure funding - SEPTA is committed to making all stations on the Broad Street Line and Market-Frankford Line accessible. Once design is completed, SEPTA can advance on the construction phase.
Also in March - SEPTA announced a partnership with the City of Philadelphia and PennDOT to install red paint on the Market Street bus-only lanes from 20th to 15th Streets (eastbound) and Juniper to 6th Streets (both directions) in Center City. This initiative will add approximately 1.75 miles of red bus lanes to SEPTA’s network – nearly tripling its current mileage of red bus lanes. According to the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), the implementation of red or terra-cotta-colored pavement can reduce vehicle incursions in bus lanes by 30 to 50%. The project will directly benefit more than 6,600 daily weekday riders who use SEPTA’s buses on this stretch of Market Street by discouraging drivers from using the bus lanes. The bus lane on Chestnut Street between Broad and 2nd Streets were also painted red and as a result SEPTA reported a 5% reduction in trip times.
In March - SEPTA learned it was the recipient of two prestigious awards for its sustainability efforts– Pennsylvania Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence and the IDC Smart Cities Award For Sustainable Infrastructure. Both awards were in recognition of the Elk Hill 1 and 2 solar farms in Franklin County, PAS - a partnership between SEPTA and Lightsource bp - a global leader in utility-scale solar energy projects. The Governor's Award was presented by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection on April 25 in Harrisburg, Pa. acknowledging the best in environmental innovation and expertise throughout the Commonwealth. In the category of ‘Sustainable Infrastructure,’ the IDC Smart Cities award was presented in Denver, Co. on May 17, recognizing outstanding Smart Cities projects in North American municipalities.
After a successful launch with large and medium-sized employers – in March SEPTA announced it was expanding SEPTA Key Advantage by inviting all businesses in the region - including those with fewer than 50 employees - to participate in the program. Since launch - several new companies have joined SEPTA Key Advantage - including FMC Corporation, HealthVerity, ABC Senior Care, and Livent. And all three pilot partners - Drexel University, University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS), and Wawa - continue to offer the program and UPHS and Wawa are expanding their participation. As part of Mayor Jim Kenney’s proposed Fiscal Year 2024 Budget - the City of Philadelphia would participate in SEPTA Key Advantage by offering the passes to all City employees. And the Authority is also actively seeking a college or university to pilot the SEPTA Key Advantage UPass as well as a commercial or residential landlord to pilot the program with its tenants.
APRIL
In April 2023 - SEPTA partnered with a leading AI technology company for a camera-assisted bus lane and stop technology pilot on Bus Routes 21 and 42. For the 60-day pilot - a camera system was mounted inside seven (7) buses that could automatically detect illegally parked vehicles in the Chestnut Street bus lanes and at bus stops.
In April - SEPTA announced it was seeking proposals from experienced vendors to develop, implement, and maintain its fare payment system as part of SEPTA Key 2.0 - a next-generation, multimodal fare payment system intended to improve the customer experience. Now - more than a decade after its design - the current SEPTA Key data-processing software is due for an upgrade to meet the expectations of today and tomorrow.In May - SEPTA awarded a contract to advance accessibility improvements at three subway stations. Michael Baker International, Inc. will do architectural, design and construction related services for Logan, Wyoming, and Hunting Park Stations on the Broad Street Line. The $6,542,831 contract with Michael Baker International, Inc. will progress the design of Logan, Wyoming, and Hunting Park Stations to 100%. Once design is completed - SEPTA can advance on the construction phase.
MAY
On May 12, 2023 - SEPTA announced that Charles “Chuck” Lawson has been appointed as the Chief of SEPTA Transit Police effective Sunday, May 14. Lawson had been serving as Acting Police Chief since July 5, 2022. Chief Lawson oversees all activities related to the operation of SEPTA Transit Police including law enforcement and crime prevention and coordinates all security functions related to the protection of SEPTA employees, riders, and property.
On May 25, 2023 - SEPTA announced the reappointment of Leslie S. Richards as the Authority’s General Manager/CEO. The SEPTA Board and Richards agreed to terms on a four-year contract that runs through January 2027. Richards started as SEPTA’s General Manager/CEO in January 2020 after serving as PennDOT’s first female Secretary.
JUNE
On June 21, 2023 - SEPTA Transit Police Chief Charles Lawson welcomed and swore in 21 new police officers joining the department. This historically large class has boost police ranks by more than 10%. The officers graduated from the Municipal Police Academy at Delaware County Community College last week. In addition to these 21 new officers - SEPTA Transit Police recently hired four officers from other police departments and 18 recruits are expected to start police academy next month.
Also in June - SEPTA completed the camera-assisted bus lane and stop technology pilot on Bus Routes 21 and 42 with Hayden AI - a leader in artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies. There was no cost to SEPTA for the pilot program. Since launching on April 20, 2023 - the seven (7) SEPTA buses equipped with the pilot system recorded on average over 4,000 incidences of parking in bus lanes or bus stops per week. While no tickets were issued during the pilot program - the demonstration will help to show the scope of the illegal parking problem impacting transit.
On June 26, 2023 - the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced 130 awards totaling nearly $1.7 billion from President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for transit projects in 46 states and territories. SEPTA received $80,000,000 in grant funding to make improvements at six bus maintenance facilities - which house 67% of our fleet - to support its transition to zero-emission vehicles. The money will be used to upgrade power systems, modernize electrical infrastructure, and install safety systems to ensure SEPTA is prepared as it transitions to a zero emission fleet by 2040.
At their June meeting - SEPTA’s Board approved Operating and Capital Budget proposals for Fiscal Year 2024 - advancing plans to fund everyday operations, major improvement projects, and two new FARE ENHANCEMENTS to not only help to encourage more ridership but to help YOU GO FARTHER! Effective July 1, 2023 - SEPTA Key cardholders receive a second FREE TRANSFER. A transfer is when a rider takes a single one-way trip on transit and then changes to a different transit line or service within two hours of that trip. Both free transfers must be taken within two hours of your first tap. Transfers do not apply to Regional Rail trips. But for those riders that do use a mix of transit and Regional Rail. And effective July 1, 2023 - a weekly and monthly TransPass includes all Zone 1, Airport Line, and Center City stations! Twenty-four stations!
JULY
To combat an uptick of smoking on the system – in July SEPTA partnered with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health on a NO SMOKING CAMPAIGN. The “Respect the Ride” campaign discourages smoking on the system, provides a text-to-tip number to report smoking in SEPTA stations and on SEPTA vehicles directly to SEPTA Transit Police, and reminds everyone that we all deserve a smoke-free ride. As a result of the campaign – SEPTA saw an increase in reports via the text-to-tip number and the Transit Watch App. These reports help Transit Police and Operations to identify and patrol high-incidence locations.
At the July Board Meeting - SEPTA awarded a contract to advance accessibility improvements at three trolley stations. CDM Smith, Inc. will do architectural, design, and construction-related services for 22nd, 33rd, and 36th Street Stations. The $4,987,421 contract with CDM Smith, Inc. will progress the design of 22nd, 33rd, and 36th Street Stations to 100%. Once design is completed - SEPTA can advance on the construction phase. These stations were built decades before the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and are currently only accessible via stairs. Improvements that will make 22nd, 33rd, and 36th Street Stations fully ADA accessible and in a state of good repair include elevator installation; platform renovation; new signage, lighting, and security cameras; and waterproofing.
AUGUST
On Monday, August 21, 2023 - SEPTA gathered with elected officials and other stakeholders at Susquehanna-Dauphin Station to celebrate the completion of a $24 million project that makes the North Philadelphia Broad Street Line station fully accessible and delivers modern amenities for riders. A key element of the project provides elevator access from the street to the platform below - on both sides. This makes the station fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). With the completion of this project - 13 of the 25 Broad Street Line stations are now fully ADA accessible.
SEGD’s (The Society for Experiential Graphic Design) 50th Anniversary Celebration and Conference Experience "Look Both Ways” took place on August 26, 2023 in Washington DC where they announced thirty-three (33) 2023 SEGD Achievement Awards winners and this year SEPTA and our partner Entro were among them! SEPTA’s Branding and Wayfinding Master Plan was chosen for the 2023 Merit Award under the Strategy/Research/Planning category. The Merit Award acknowledges artful conception and creative solutions in experience design projects.
In August - Swarthmore committed to provide passes to all full-time, actively enrolled students free of charge - with the program running throughout the academic year (September 2023 through December 2023 and February 2024 through May 2024). Swarthmore students can use their Key cards 24/7 during the academic year - with a 240-ride limit per month (an average of 8 rides per day).
At a press conference on Monday, August 28, 2023 - Mayor Kenney announced the City of Philadelphia will provide free transit benefits for all eligible City employees beginning Friday, September 1, 2023 via SEPTA Key Advantage. Leaders in the Kenney administration said they hope the Key Advantage program helps attract and retain employees. Almost 20% of budgeted city jobs are vacant - amid well-publicized workforce shortages nationwide.
Starting with the first preseason game and lasting throughout the regular season - Unibet - an official casino and sportsbook partner of the Philadelphia Eagles - will help Eagles fans get home safely after each Eagles home game by sponsoring free rides home from NRG Station on the Broad Street Line!
SEPTEMBER
In September - SEPTA held a series of public hearings on Bus Revolution – SEPTA’s first ever comprehensive redesign of its entire bus network. At the hearings - SEPTA presented the proposed changes to the bus network documented on the project website – www.SEPTAbusrevolution.com – and shared at public meetings throughout the region in 2022 and 2023.
Also in September - SEPTA released its Micromobility Playbook under the SEPTA Forward Strategic Plan. The playbook is an update to the agency’s Cycle-Transit Plan of 2015 created with actions to make using micromobility with transit seamless and convenient for people in our region. The plan includes recommendations for improving systemwide access to transit stops, expanding station amenities, vehicle accommodations and connections to the transportation network and providing a framework to increase ridership by better accommodating riders that use micromobility. Micromobility has become an essential part of the SEPTA system. Being able to incorporate this into our transit system creates a seamless and integrated transit network, improves access to transit, emphasizes sustainability and provides accessibility for all. As part of the plan - beginning October 1, 2023 - open strollers are no longer restricted based on time of day but will be dependent on space.
Earlier this year - a crew from the Smithsonian Channel’s “How Did They Fix That?” television series was at SEPTA to film how our workforce keeps the system running safely every day. The episode featuring SEPTA titled “Philadelphia Transit” debuted on Sunday, September 17, 2023 at 9PM! How Did They Fix That? is an immersive documentary series that follows host Mike Davidson as he works with the hard hat heroes that keep the world's biggest and toughest machines on earth running - in this case - SEPTA! The film crew and Mike spent eight days at SEPTA in February 2023 embedded with employees working on a wide range of maintenance, construction, and other improvement projects. SEPTA participated in this show because it presented an opportunity to share with local, national, and international audiences the hard work, dedication, and skill of our exceptional workforce.
OCTOBER
Beginning in October - SEPTA customers could tap their contactless credit card, debit card, smart phone or watch to ride SEPTA buses, trolleys, and subways. SEPTA joined a growing number of transit systems around the world that are accepting contactless payments. This technology makes SEPTA more convenient for everyone to use SEPTA – whether you are a regular customer, occasional rider or a new customer. Contactless does not replace SEPTA Key cards – however it provides a simple solution for occasional riders who want to enjoy the same benefits as cardholders including a discounted $2 one-way fare and up to two transfers.
On October 12, 2023 - SEPTA released findings of the recent AI camera-assisted bus lane enforcement study. The findings are intended to raise awareness about the safety issues these violations create and inform discussions about enforcement solutions and provides SEPTA with data that clearly illustrates the high frequency of these violations and how we can use cutting-edge technology to combat these problems. The study documented 36,392 total parking obstructions in the pilot zone - which included bus lane obstructions in Center City and bus stop obstructions in West Philadelphia and a portion of Upper Darby. In Center City - the study detected 4,174 obstructions in bus lanes. The report also detailed that when bus stop zones are illegally blocked - buses can be prevented from pulling up parallel to the curb which forces riders into the street and makes it difficult – or sometimes impossible – for wheelchair ramps to be deployed properly.
On October 13, 2023 - President Biden and Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm announced seven regional clean hydrogen hubs that were selected to receive $7 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to accelerate the domestic market for low-cost, clean hydrogen. As a potentially large end-user of clean hydrogen fuel in zero emission buses - SEPTA was an initial partner in the development of the Mid-Atlantic Hydrogen Hub (MACH2).
NOVEMBER
In April 2018 - we said Ta, Ta to token sales. On November 1, 2023 – SEPTA announced it is now we're saying Goodbye, Farewell to tokens all together. On December 31, 2023 - SEPTA will permanently retire tokens. For customers who are still using tokens - it's time to use em' up or trade 'em in AND get on board with the many contactless ways to pay!
On November 9, 2023 - SEPTA gathered with elected officials and other stakeholders to cut the ribbon at the new Conshohocken Station on the Manayunk/Norristown Line. Service to the new station began on Monday, November 6, 2023. The new station - located at 36 W. Washington Street - was built directly to the west of the former station which allowed SEPTA to continue operations during construction and minimize the disruption to riders. Construction on the approximately $15 million project began in November 2019 and it will continue into early 2024 to decommission the former Conshohocken Station. SEPTA used a hybrid approach to construction to leverage outside expertise with the strengths of internal resources to increase overall productivity and cost effectiveness. The fully ADA accessible station features a new building and passenger shelters; high-level platforms; an accessible parking area; a new grade crossing for vehicular and pedestrian traffic; and new signage and lighting. The Schuylkill River Trail was realigned to accommodate the new station and grade crossing.This project would not have been possible without Pennsylvania Act 89 - the state’s comprehensive transportation funding law passed in November 2013. Act 89 has enabled SEPTA to invest millions of dollars in the transit network throughout the region.
On November 9, 2023 - Mayor Jim Kenney was joined by Councilmember Squilla, SEPTA General Manager/CEO Leslie Richards, Philadelphia Parking Authority Executive Director Richard Lazer, and advocate groups to officially sign into law Bill No. 230489 - entitled “Camera-Based Enforcement System For Parking, Stopping, and Standing Violations That Interfere With Mass Transit.” This city ordinance will allow SEPTA to employ the use of camera-based parking enforcement technology on its buses to target illegally parked vehicles blocking transit stops and bus lanes. The aim is to decrease traffic congestion, improve traffic safety, and address the climate crisis in Philadelphia. The ordinance will allow for camera-based enforcement on Bainbridge and Spring Garden Streets from river to river as well as the entirety of JFK Boulevard, Walnut, Chestnut, and Market Streets. This legislation will improve transportation for all Philadelphians especially those with disabilities as parking infractions create prohibitive and dangerous scenarios for wheelchair users and helps emphasize the fact that good public transportation is vital for community health and connectivity. The bill was introduced to Philadelphia City Council by Councilmember Mark Squilla (1st District) on June 8, 2023 and was passed unanimously on October 26, 2023.
November marked two years since the signing of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. It was officially signed November 15, 2021. Funding from this historic law is helping SEPTA to invest in the rehabilitation of aging infrastructure and advance critical priorities for our region - including Trolley Modernization, station accessibility and transitioning to a zero-emission bus fleet. Thanks to our regional delegation including U.S. Senator Bob Casey, U.S. Senator John Fetterman, U. S. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, U.S. Congressman Brendan Boyle, U.S. Congressman Dwight Evans, U.S. Congresswoman Madeleine Dean, U.S. Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, and U.S. Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan - IIJA competitive grants are supporting more than $200 in critical infrastructure investments in southeastern Pennsylvania.
The new Claymont Transportation Center on the Wilmington/Newark Line was dedicated on Monday, November 27, 2023 as the Harris B. McDowell, III Transportation Center and opens for SEPTA Regional Rail and SEPTA and DART First State Bus Routes service on Monday, December 4, 2023. Numerous federal, state, and local officials gathered to mark the completion of the new $90 million transportation center. The new center boasts over 800 parking spaces including 13 EV charging stations, two ADA-compliant high-level covered platforms with wind screens, benches and USB charging ports, bicycle racks and repair stations, real-time passenger information displays, and vending machines.
DECEMBER
SEPTA's new transit-first, mobile-friendly website officially launched on Thursday, December 7, 2023. Same name - same domain: SEPTA.org! The redesigned site has been in the beta testing phase since August 2023. More than 18 months in the making - this initiative is an integral part of SEPTA Forward.
In December - SEPTA announced 30th Street Station on the Market-Frankford Line and City Trolley Line will soon include the name of an iconic Philadelphia institution that is served by this transit hub. Under a new naming rights agreement between SEPTA and Drexel University - the station will be transformed into Drexel Station at 30th Street. This marks SEPTA’s most recent station naming rights agreement which helps generate revenue and deliver an improved experience for customers.
On Thursday, December 21, 2023 - The SEPTA Board approved the new contract between SEPTA and FOTP Lodge 109 which covers approximately 170 SEPTA Transit Police Officers. Union members voted earlier this week to ratify the three-year agreement which includes salary increases and maintains health and pension benefits. Also at Thursday’s meeting - the Board approved the new contract between SEPTA and Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers (SMART) Local 1594. Union members voted to ratify the one-year agreement. This contract is on par with the recent agreement struck between SEPTA and its largest union - Transport Workers Union Local 234 - which represents about 5,000 transit vehicle operators, mechanics, maintenance workers, cashiers, and custodians.
This recap captures almost all this year's highlights but unfortunately misses a lot of the fun - including our amazing ongoing partnership with Mural Arts, our tribute to Rosa Parks in February, 100 Years of Trackless Trolleys in October, Santa Express in November, the 2023 FESTIBUSES in December, and the tremendous things happening at The SEPTA Store! It also skips the routine work that happens on the system all year long including track renewal, station cleaning, and maintenance as well as milestone projects like SCIP and Trolley Blitz.
Looking forward to 2024. Thanks for reading - and for riding!
