Line of the Week: Chestnut Hill East
July 12, 2021
This week's Route of the Week is the Chestnut Hill East Line! This Regional Rail Line travels between 30th Street Station and Chestnut Hill East. There are 14 stations along Chestnut Hill East's 12.2-mile route, including Suburban Station, Wayne Junction, Germantown, and Mount Airy.
The Chestnut Hill East Line uses the Reading Company right-of-way, which was originally constructed by the Philadelphia, Germantown, and Norristown (PG&N) railroad before the American Civil War. The PG&N intended to build a railroad from Philadelphia to Norristown but stopped when construction reached Germantown due to the hilly nature of the terrain west of Germantown and along the Wissahickon Creek. The PG&N decided to change course and build another railroad line close to the Schuylkill River, which would later become SEPTA's Manayunk/Norristown Line.
The Chestnut Hill East Line was known as the R7 until 2010.
Now that Travel Wallet is available on Regional Rail, riding couldn't be easier! All you have to do is tap your SEPTA Key on the platform or turnstile validator at your boarding station. This opens your trip. Then sit back and enjoy your ride! When you exit, tap off at the platform or turnstile validator before you leave the station. This closes out the trip. Again, all you have to do is Tap, Ride, Tap! You can read about the most up-to-date fare information here! Not only that, but children under the age of 12 ride free when accompanied by a fare-paying adult! And if you've never ridden the Chestnut Hill East Line, check out this informative video here!
Before you leave the house, there are a few things you'll want to remember. Check to make sure you have your SEPTA Key card before you leave. 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.
