Line of the Week: Media/Elwyn Line
February 1, 2021
SEPTA's Media/Elwyn Line, formerly known as the R3, is a Regional Rail Line that runs between Center City Philadelphia and Elwyn, PA.
The Media/Elwyn Line was originally built and operated by the West Chester and Philadelphia Railroad beginning in 1853. In 1881, the Pennsylvania Railroad gained control of the line and it became known as the West Chester Branch. Decades later in 1984, SEPTA took over operations and the West Chester Branch became a commuter line named the R3. In 1986, SEPTA ended service west of Elwyn.
The Media/Elwyn Line connects to 15 stations across its 16.5 mile route:
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Elwyn
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Media
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Moylan-Rose Valley
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Wallingford
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Swarthmore
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Morton
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Secane
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Primos
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Clifton-Aldan
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Gladstone
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Lansdowne
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Fernwood-Yeadon
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Angora
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49th Street
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Penn Medicine Station
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30th Street Station
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Suburban Station
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Jefferson Station
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Temple University
In Spring of 2018, construction began to extend the Media/Elwyn Line to Wawa Station in Chester Heights, PA. Its targeted complete date is the end of this year. This project would not be possible without Pennsylvania Act 89 which created a long term funding solution for critical highway and transit infrastructure needs across the Commonwealth. This same act made renovations to Secane Station possible, which is also on the Media/Elwyn Line.
As you go down the line, you can find more and more towns with vibrant lives within them. Media, for example, has a lovely downtown area with many restaurants and bars . And not only is it serviced by the train line, it's also has trolley routes that go through town.
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 Media/Elwyn 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 before you step out of the house. You'll also want to bring your mask! 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 finally, don't forget to keep social distance! Certain seats will be marked off to help riders keep a safe distance from each other, so be mindful of where you sit!
