Line of the Week: 36
July 26, 2021
This week, we're exploring the 36! The 36 is a SEPTA Trolley Line that runs from 13th & Market in Center City to 80th & Eastwick in Southwest Philly. It is the longest of the five lines that are part of SEPTA's Subway-Surface Trolley system, and it was even longer between 1956 and 1962 when the western terminus was at 94th and Eastwick Place.
The 36 runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week between 40th Street Portal. The trolley tunnel is closed between 13th Street Station & 40th Street Station until further notice. For transportation between those two points - take the Market-Frankford Line Night Owl Express Bus.
The 36 was established as the Elmwood Avenue Line in 1904 by the Philadelphia Rapid Transit Company. Original streetcar service operated between Island Road and Elmwood Avenue via Center City on Market Street to Front & Market Streets. Service rerouted into the Subway-Surface Tunnel and extended to the Westinghouse Plant in Essington on November 5, 1955 replacing the 37 trolley service.
In addition to Center City, the 36 also travels through University City, servicing Drexel University, University of Pennsylvania, and the Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania. The 36 connects with all Regional Rail Lines, the Market-Frankford Line, and 13 bus routes at 30th Street Station.
Now that the 2021 Trolley Blitz is over - you can catch the 36 at all the usual spots - beginning at 13th Street Station.
If you're planning on riding - you'll want to remember your SEPTA Key! This is your "key" to not just the 36, but to all of SEPTA! If you're using your SEPTA Key, fare will be $2, your first transfer will be free and your second transfer will only be $1. Not only that, but children under the age of 12 ride free when accompanied by a fare-paying adult! And now, you can buy a Three Day Convenience Pass which is ideal for individuals who travel on SEPTA less than 5 days a week and visitors and tourists enjoying a multiple day stay in Philadelphia. The cost is $18 and it's good for 24 trips over 72 consecutive hours. Time starts with your first tap. It is meant for one rider. You can read up about fares here. And if you've never ridden the trolley before, check out this informative video on How to Ride and check out our Guide to Ride!
Masks are still required on all SEPTA vehicles. This isn't just to keep you safe, it's to keep everyone who rides SEPTA safe! Ensure your mask is covering both your mouth and your nose. And remember - vehicle capacity limits on SEPTA vehicles are now lifted.
