Shop Til You Drop With SEPTA
November 21, 2018
Photo Credit Old Images of Philadelphia
Philadelphia might be best known for it's cheesesteaks but we're here to tell you it's also a great place to shop! From Center City to King of Prussia and everywhere in between, there is great shopping to be had. Most people do not have a chauffeur to carry their bags and shuttle them around, but everyone has SEPTA. When you've shopped until you're literally about to drop, nothing’s better than sitting back, and not worrying about keeping your eyes on road. Because unlike driving, you can use this time to take back your commute by checking your list, texting with friends, and Instagramming your amazing finds.
There may not have been Instagram in 1957, but there was the Mid-City Loop (first called Shopper's Shuttle) which began operation on November 27, 1957. This Bus Route served Walnut, Chestnut and Market Streets in Center City. The Mid-City Loop was later replaced by the the Route 76 also known as the Ben Frankline which ran from from Penn’s Landing to the Philadelphia Zoo, connecting Center City with the museums that line the Ben Franklin Parkway.
By 2001, despite efforts to promote the route, ridership was too low to justify continued service. Many riders objected to the proposed changes, but there was a solution - Center City District (CCD), Philadelphia’s downtown business improvement district, proposed a new shopper’s loop for the PHLASH that would give a boost to downtown retailers during the coming Christmas shopping season. This loop continues to run today and if you've got a SEPTA Pass or SEPTA Key - you ride the PHLASH for free!
Free rides on PHLASH is just one of our many Perks. We [more like you] have Perks at select retailers and restaurants that save you money and keep your energy up. All you have to is flash your SEPTA Pass or SEPTA Key.
We encourage everyone to explore Montgomery County – whether it’s a shopping trip, distillery tour, lunch date, or movie matinee. Because with 49 station stops in Montgomery County – it’s so easy to shop!! People sometimes forget – their TrailPass works on weekends too and if you’re a city dweller – your TransPass becomes an Anywhere TrailPass on the weekend so you can ride your heart out.
For example, present your valid SEPTA Key, TrailPass, TransPass, or One Day Independence Pass at the Lindt Chocolate Shop at Philadelphia Premium Outlets and receive 12 Free LINDOR Truffles with your purchase of $30 or more; Receive 10% off all folding bikes and commuting accessories at Riverbend Cycles in Conshohocken; $5 off a purchase of $25 or more at XTRA101 in Ambler; Take 15% off your total purchase Wild Lilies Jewelry is a fashion, jewelry, and accessories boutique located in the heart of Ambler; Refuel with buy one Smoothie or Juice and get the other 50% at Robek’s in Ardmore; Save 15% off your food at Paladar Latin Kitchen in King of Prussia; $eceive a complimentary appetizer with purchase of an entrée at Sullivan's Steakhouse in King of Prussia. For more Perks visit https://iseptaphilly.com/perks.
Wherever you stop – start with SEPTA. Just remember this holiday season to plan for crowds. We usually see big groups, families with strollers, etc. all anxious to start their holiday shopping. Please be patient and courteous to your fellow SEPTA riders.
Hate crowds? You can also use SEPTA to avoid the crowds in the stores and malls and do your part to support Small Business. Catch a movie at the Hiway Theater in Jenkintown or the Ambler Theater in Ambler. Flash your SEPTA Pass or SEPTA Key for a FREE small popcorn; or take a FREE distillery tour (Friday-Sunday) at Boardroom Spirits in Lansdale – short walk from the train station.
Happy Holidays!
