Getting to Green: Route 37
June 4, 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.
How quickly you can travel from urban areas to green spaces on SEPTA might surprise you.
Approximately 18 miles long – Route 37 first started out as a streetcar line and was nicknamed “The Chester Short Line” running from Chester via Essington Avenue before becoming a bus route in 1955. Serving Eastwick and the Airport - today Route 37 carries 1,573 passengers on weekdays - making an average of 108 trips. On the weekends it makes an average of 24 trips per day.
Route 37 travels between Broad & Snyder in South Philadelphia and Chester Transportation Center. It is one of three SEPTA bus routes that serve Philadelphia International Airport and is one of 27 SEPTA routes that runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Route 37 also stops at and is the WAY TO GO to John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge - a 1000-acre National Wildlife Refuge in Philadelphia and Tinicum Township, Pennsylvania. Established in 1972 as America’s first urban refuge - it protects habitats for native wildlife and plants native to Delaware Estuary. It offers over 10 miles of trails for visitors to explore and connect with nature. Visitors to the refuge may observe hundreds of species of plants, trees, birds, insects and mammals. Stop by the visitor center where you will receive helpful information, loaner binoculars, and fishing rods. Don't forgot to explore some of the exhibits about the refuge's wildlife and their habitats.
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.
