Getting to Green: Route 26
July 22, 2024
SEPTA partnered with Mural Arts and Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) on Getting to Green: Routes to Roots - a multidisciplinary public art project aimed at inspiring Philadelphia residents to use public transportation [aka SEPTA] to explore the city’s green spaces. Through unique artwork including hand-drawn maps - riders are encouraged to discover new pathways and routes.
You might be surprised by how quickly you can travel from urban areas to green spaces on SEPTA.
Route 26 was a streetcar line running from Germantown to Fox Chase via Chelten Avenue until January 28, 1956 when buses took over. Now, it's a city bus route that goes from Chelten Avenue Station to Frankford Transit Center.
Route 26 carries 4,894 riders each day and runs 183 trips on weekdays and about 90 trips on weekends. It covers approximately 11.5 miles and connects with several other SEPTA routes. At FTC Route 26 links up with the Market-Frankford Line and 16 other bus routes. At Olney Transportation Center it connects with the Broad Street Line and eight other bus routes. It also provides connections to Regional Rail at Chelten Avenue Station and Germantown Station.
Tacony Creek Park is a hidden gem in Northeast Philly! Managed by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation - this 300-acre park is a crucial community asset for several neighborhoods and all Philadelphia residents. The woodlands and meadows of Tacony Creek Park offer habitat for over 100 species of birds and other wildlife. The 3.2 mile paved trail - part of The Circuit regional trail network provides access to the park and an opportunity for recreation, exercise, and nature enjoyment. In the future the trail will connect to the Frankford Creek Greenway and the Delaware River Trail. Route 26 drops you right at the entrance at Olney Ave & Tabor Ave.
And don't forget - you can bring your bike on the bus to explore and enjoy even more!
Now that you know the WAY TO GO - here are the WAYS TO PAY:
Bus fare is $2.50 cash [exact change required] or $2 if you have a SEPTA Key card with Travel Wallet or have one of these passes loaded to your SEPTA Key card: Monthly or Weekly TransPass or TrailPass, Convenience Pass, Neighborhood Flex Pass, or Anywhere FleX Pass.
No SEPTA Key card? No problem! Tap your contactless credit card, debit card, smart phone or watch to ride SEPTA buses, subways, and trolleys. Or check out SEPTA Key Tix - the new and convenient way to pay for transit using your smartphone!
And don't forget - Kids under 12 ride free when accompanied by an adult and Seniors 65+ ride free with a SEPTA Key Senior Fare Card!
Getting to Green: Routes to Roots is a collaboration between two local Philadelphia artists. Shira Walinsky has created over 40 murals in Philadelphia focusing on people and maps. Laura Deutch uses media and participatory art to explore connections between people, places, and their stories.
