More Motivation to Ride SEPTA
March 21, 2017
Mark Twain once said, "I have found out that there ain't no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them." So, what if you meet someone while traveling and you really hit it off? This must mean you are destined to be together - right?
In February, we asked SEPTA riders if they found love - true love - lasting love - while riding SEPTA. We asked, and they overwhelmingly answered. It turns out love comes when you least expect it - on early morning commutes from the burbs, on late night train rides from the game and on Sunday bus trips to the market. Franklin P. Jones got it right when he said, “Love doesn’t make the world go ’round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.”
And while we often go to extremes to avoid crossing paths on the platform, meeting eyes on the El, or brushing shoulders on the bus, maybe these stories will cause you to think twice and view your commute as not just a means from "point A to point B" but a means to a future "you and me".
Jena: I met the love of my life on SEPTA. Locked eyes on the bus a few times, smiled at each other, and we even got off at the same bus stop. Not sure if it was fate or not but 3 and a half years later we are still together in a very happy and understanding relationship.
Becki: I was running late for work one day and ran onto the subway at Spring Garden. I like to be on the first carriage as it's the one closest to the exit at AT&T station so I walked through the train to the right carriage. Sat down and out the corner of my eye a guy was looking at me through squinted eyes so I put my headphones in (no music just needed to look like I was busy).He got up, came sat behind me, started tapping me on the shoulder, i ignored it! Tapped me 2nd time, I ignored him again. Tapped me a 3rd time and this time it was harder so I took out my headphones and said "what?" He asked if I recognized him, said my name - I lied and no it was Claire. He called me out that I was lying and that we had in fact been talking / met on a dating app for a month prior - I had avoided going out on a date! 3 days later we went on our first date, 3 months later he told me he loved me and we've been together since then!
Jeffrey: When my girlfriend Jessica and I started dating in the December of 2015, we were both students at Drexel University. We hit it off right away on our first date and quickly decided we wanted to spend as much time together as possible. However, I lived in West Philadelphia and she commuted in from Bucks County, both of us carless. During this time, SEPTA’s Regional Rail service, particularly the West Trenton line, served as our “love connection,” with Jessica taking the train to Philadelphia to spend weekends with me. As neither of us have cars, we have relied primarily on SEPTA to get us to our dates. As big fans of local beer, we have traveled to all most all of the breweries inside Philadelphia, taking Regional Rail, the El, or trolleys every time. We’ve made the MFL to BSL transfer to see the 76ers beat the OKC Thunder last year. The big moment of going to her parents’ house for the first time was made possible by SEPTA. At this point, I think either of us could draw out the entire SEPTA system map by hand. Our relationship thrived as the months passed before tragedy struck: the cracks in the suspension of the Silverliner V became revealed and so did the cracks in our relationship. Delays, crowded trains, and altered schedules made seeing each other harder than ever as SEPTA worked diligently to repair its fleet. The time we spent together became even more treasured as it became harder to meet up.Eventually, the Silverliner V cars were returned to service and Jessica moved to Philadelphia to start her first post-graduation job, making us closer than ever. With both of us now in the city, with me in West Philly and her in Center City, SEPTA’s 10 trolley is now our love connection. On an average day, we are only about 15 minutes from each other, from front door to front door. Jessica and I are doing great together and love being able to see each other whenever we want, and we have SEPTA to thank for that, especially all of the awesome trolley operators who decorate for the holidays. Our joke is that as long as we both live somewhere on the SEPTA map, we will always be together.
Francisco: I met my fiancé on the MFL. She bumped me so hard, she knocked my coffee i just got from Dunkin' Donuts out my hands! And got angry at me for being in her way! I apologized deeply to her! After that incident we became closer and fell in love! That was a year and a half ago. We are getting married in July 2017.
Margo: If you ride SEPTA’ s Regional Rail on a somewhat regular schedule, you get used to seeing the same familiar faces along your route. You exchange smiles, nods, and maybe even "hellos" or "goodnights" as you make your way each day. Sixteen years ago, I noticed a handsome guy at the R7 stop in Cornwells Heights, who never seemed to smile, or nod, or say hello to anyone, day or night. He was well-dressed and seemed nice, but aloof. I was intrigued and decided I wanted to try to get his attention. On Monday, February 5th 2001, I found a parking spot near his in the massive Cornwells Heights parking lot, but he must have taken an earlier train that day and I missed him. Mother Nature sent us an unexpected winter storm that afternoon, and my office cleared out early. I hung around a while as I was still relatively new there, and eventually left a couple of hours early. Off of my regular schedule, I wondered if meeting my handsome stranger might not be in the cards. I made my way to the platform at Track 4, Section A, expecting a long and frustrating trip home. Jammed with people, the scene was a mess. And then I noticed him – my handsome stranger – standing calmly in that sea of people. I made my way over and stood nearby, amazed that we somehow ended up there together, both off-schedule but still in sync. After a few minutes of taking in the scene, he said, “This is going to be a shame,” in my general direction. “Yeah,” I smiled. The chaos of the mass exodus was sure to make this a rough trip home – but he talked to me! We stood there through the arrival and departure of several other trains, waiting for our R7, exchanging few words. At one point I went upstairs for coffee and he stayed put. When I came back to the platform, the train had been rerouted to Track 3, so everyone had moved, and I decided to play it cool. As the R7 finally arrived, my handsome stranger and I ended up in seats one in front of the other. He took out a book and started reading. The book, Gabriel Garcia Marquez’ Love in the Time of Cholera was one I had always wanted to read, and I took one last chance and told him so. That started our first real conversation, which continued the whole ride back to Cornwells Heights, and then further on the shuttle to our snow-covered cars. He cleared the snow off of my car and we chatted. The next morning, I got to the station early to be sure not to miss him. This time, he saw me and smiled, and we talked, and we’ve been together ever since. We eventually bought a house down the street from the station, and a portrait of the train platform has hung in our family room since our tenth wedding anniversary, in 2013.
Kailey: Although I had not directly had a love connection on SEPTA - I remember the night we had first met, and how much of a role SEPTA played in that. It was a warm night for April, and I was to meet a date at the bar on a school night. Being a Temple University senior, I often relied on the BSL at Cecil B. Moore. I was nervous to meet him, but sitting on the sub, hearing each stop and swerve, somehow relaxed me. It was just 15 minutes before, when he told me he was on the West Trenton Line, then getting on the El, in order to meet me. When I walked in the room, he greeted me with friendly eyes and that's when I knew. It's been 11 months since we met and 10 months since we started officially dating. In the summer of last year, I moved from Temple Univ. area to South Philadelphia. He moved from Bridesburg to South Philly a block away from me 3 months later. However, before he moved, we both relied on SEPTA, not only for each of us to get our jobs-- I work in the city for a transit advertising company as a coordinator who places the ads on SEPTA -- and he works in the consignment business for a well-known eBay seller), but SEPTA really helped us get him to and from my place often, since neither of us own a car. Because of SEPTA we were able to see each other so often which led us to get to know each other, build our relationship with each other, and fall in love with each other. We wouldn't be where we are now without you, SEPTA. Cheers.
Fiona: My love connection started over 20 years ago. We went on our first date when I was 16 and he was 18. He really liked me, but his best friend told him I was jail bait and to leave me alone. We remained friends. Over the years we would see each other on the bus. Seeing him always made me smile. We would talk briefly and exchange numbers...however neither of us would call. This went on for years...until Tuesday April 8, 2014. I was on my way to bible study. I saw him on the 52. I made sure to give him my number before I got off the bus. On that day he sent me a text saying, Fiona this is Dennis your boyfriend for like 6 days, give me a call. (He also told me, he once told a lady on the bus that I was his girlfriend for 6 days. She told him he should get me back.) During our courting stage I asked him, "Why now?" He said, "why what?" I asked, "Why are you loving me now"...his reply, "I have always loved you" We have been a loving couple officially since June 2014
Kristen: Hi! I met my husband at the Girard stop on the Frankford El in 2002. It was September and I had just moved to Philadelphia to attend Temple University. That semester, I took a theater class that required roaming all over the city to see plays and musicals for the course. I had used SEPTA a few times, but wasn't too familiar with it, and so while I made it to the play easily on the subway, I ended up getting lost on my way back. I accidentally got off at the Girard stop on the Market-Frankford line instead of the Girard stop on the Orange Line. Whoops! I must have looked confused (after exiting the train and not recognizing the stop), because a handsome young man in a black hooded sweatshirt approached and asked if I was lost and if he could help. He showed me how to cross over to the other side of the track and gave me directions to the orange line and Temple. Then, he smiled and left. I sat on the opposite side of the track, waiting for the westbound train to take me back toward Temple. Little did I know, the handsome stranger had left the subway and walked down to street level, only to have a change of heart. He climbed back up the stairs on the west side of the street, swiped his TransPass, and found me on the opposite platform bench. The two of us officially introduced ourselves while I waited for the train to arrive. His name was Paul, and he was a Temple student as well! He wrote his telephone number down on the back of a pay stub and handed it to me just as the train approached. We married in October of 2008 and a few days ago - February 14th, 2017 was our 15th Valentine's Day together. The two of us and our sweet pit bull Gloria now live a block from that Girard El stop. We sit on that platform where we met (and where we've sat together countless times) and we'll always be thankful for SEPTA, chance encounters, and most of all - each other. Thank you!
Jamye: Once upon a time, on the Regional Rail Media/Elwyn Line, there were two recent college graduates living at their parents houses and commuting daily into Center City for work. We each thought the other looked familiar, but couldn't place why. One day, I gained the courage to sit next to him on the train and we quickly connected. Turns out, we went to the same high school! We graduated different years and never crossed paths... until SEPTA brought us together. We fell in love with the city and with each other and are now living together in Manayunk. We may have never found each other if it wasn't for our shared commute on the Regional Rail!
Shanee: My chocolate GOD and I met in the sub. I was on my way to class @ Temple U and he caught my eye. He sat next 2 me on the bench & said, "Wow, you look beautiful. You could be my wife." I laughed and jumped on the local. I tried to ignore him at first, then he decided to sit right in front of me. He asked for my name, staring at me with his big brown eyes. I gave him a fake one lol. We've ALL done it! I gave him a celebrity name, and he said I sounded a little like her - Remy lol. He said, "I can be ya Papoose. He held her down for a minute. You want a dude like me". Could not argue with that! I was cracking up! He told me how much he liked my smile & how he wanted to make me laugh more often. He wanted my number 2 stops before mine, but if course I had to play hard to get. Once my stop arrived, I got up & walked while he followed me asking for my number. I yelled it to the sub door where my future husband was sticking his gorgeous head of hair out of. It was good to know he really wanted it lol. 1 month later, I moved in with him. He is my everything, my guide, my teacher, my bestest friend. I'm glad I rode the sub that day.
Nicole: My fiancé and I met by chance 13 years ago when we were just a freshman and sophomore in high school. We took the same SEPTA bus to our all girls and all boys Catholic high schools, and I got stuck standing near him and his friends on the packed bus every day for weeks. Though I always wound up standing in the front, I had to adhere to the bus driver's command: "Move to the rear of the bus." I then started seeing John pop up in other parts of my life: we shared mutual friends whom we would hang out with at LOVE Park after school every day, we wound up joining the same school plays, I grew close with his younger sister and wound up carpooling to school with him when SEPTA went on strike. (Thanks, SEPTA..Really!) During those high school years, we dated each other's friends, we flirted, I even professed my school-girl crush my Junior year, but nothing ever came of it. We kept in touch after graduation and would see each other about once a year. We'd hang out in his parents' basement sneaking beers and shyly hold hands for that one night--going back to our normal lives when I would leave. After losing touch for four years, we reconnected by chance two weeks before I was to move to Boston. I had committed to a year of service with Americorps, and the move to Boston took me closer to my then-boyfriend. We met at a local bar that night and, for both of us, it felt like we picked up right where we had left off. He invited me to hike with him on our local Wissahickon trails a few days later where he took me to the statue of the Lenape Chief Tedyuscung, widely known in our area as "The Indian." It sits on an outcropping of rock that overlooks the creek, and I was enchanted by the views and the fact that John has introduced me to a treasure I had lived so close to and yet had never known about. We later referred to this day as our first real date. After I moved, we talked every day via text, but I would selfishly ignore him when I would see my boyfriend on the weekends. My boyfriend treated me awfully and I would frequently tell John and ask for advice. After a few months, he finally put his foot down. He told me that he loved me and couldn't be my second choice. Though it did take me some time, I finally realized John was right about my then boyfriend and that he was the right one for me. We became "official" on September 27th of 2014, and maintained a long distance relationship until I moved back to Philadelphia in June of 2015.Since moving back, we bought a house and rescued a dog, but the best day of my life up to this point will be December 31st, 2016 when John proposed. He enlisted the help of my best friends, and talked me into a pre-New Year's Eve hike back to that same statue where he spent the last day of his year securing who he'd be with for this rest of his life. He was most definitely worth the wait. #FromBustoBride #Route27
Troi: About a year ago I reconnected with my high school sweetheart via SEPTA BSL. We were both on our way down Center City, we both ended up canceling our prior plans and hanging out together. We've been dating ever since.
Marie: I know you guys were probably looking for more juicy stories about couples, but I couldn’t resist telling you about all the love I received on the Regional Rails. This was my first time travelling on the Regional Rails, and to be perfectly honest, I was fearful of the Regional Rails and my over hour commute. During 2015-2016, I started taking the Regional Rails to work. My husband of 34 years would drop off wait until the train arrived, and met me after work every day. I heard him quickly introduce himself to the train engineer, Craig that you have my previous cargo, and felt so much love, and that our love story. The love story that I equally love is the people I met along the helped me during this transition. I told everyone I saw at the Overbrook Station that I was a new commuter. I began to love the people I would greet and I see every morning. I met Lisa, the agent at the ticket window, and just to name a few commuters, Davida, Sharyn, Joann, Levan, Al, Helen, Dan, and Lamont. I met Maria getting on at the Suburban Station, and Evelyn at Temple Station that got off at the North Wales, and we walk together to and from work. Commuter love is watchful and attentive, and I love it! Thanks to everyone who travelled and helped me along the way!
Rick: I was sleepy-eyed that late April morning in 2014 as I made my way to the platform at 30th Station to begin my journey to New York City. Awaiting the SEPTA Regional Rail that would take me to Trenton, where I would transfer and continue my trip, the excitement of going to see my first Flyers playoff game against the rival New York Rangers was jolting me awake. Little did I know that later that same day, I would meet the beautiful woman that would become my girlfriend just four short months later. After spending the day cheering on the Flyers in enemy territory (sadly they lost), it was time to make my way back home to Philadelphia. Luckily, I sat right across the aisle from this gorgeous dark-haired girl with a "don't mess with me look" to her. In a chatty mood, I did my best to strike up a conversation with her on the first leg of my return journey. We exchanged pleasantries and made small talk, being careful not to reveal too much information (trying hard to keep our guards up). As I seamlessly switched trains at the Trenton Transit Center, I thought, "Well, that was nice," knowing I was not likely see her again. After we started out from the station, a quick glance around the SEPTA train car would prove me wrong - There she was just two rows behind me! I sprung from my seat and plunked down next to her to pick up where we left off - I had to know more. Though the ride went by a little too quickly and I was not able to get her number, I was sure to give her mine, along with a tip that my birthday was coming up later that week. We went our separate ways and I had to convince myself to try to forget about the girl from the train. I almost did until I received a text message on my birthday that read, "Happy Birthday train buddy." We quickly made plans to meet at Monk's Cafe to double check our instincts from the train ride. We must have been right, because here we are, living together in South Philadelphia, commuting on the Broad Street Line to our jobs together, and about to celebrate our third Valentine's Day together. Thanks SEPTA <3
Jane: SUNDAYS WITH SEPTA...Every Sunday I'd take the old C Bus from Center City up Broad to Erie and then I got the 37 trolley. My destination was my boyfriend Annson Kenney's house at Fifth and Erie. He was an artist and musician who lived with his mother after his father died and his sister became a Nun. He was Irish Catholic and was very good to his mother. He and I were both 31, Sundays were a special night for us. His mother invited me every week to come over and have hoagies with them. Mrs. Kenney's hoagies were better than any I had ever tasted. She scooped the rolls, added a little salt, oil, and vinegar, and then stacked the folded cheese, cold cuts, and shredded lettuce. I was in heaven. Afterward, I got to take SEPTA back home in reverse. I love taking public transit. In all the years I have been in Philly, I've never had a car. SEPTA takes me everywhere!
Janet: True Love found on a SEPTA Sunday Kind of day. I had just moved to Philadelphia from Kentucky. I was at Shoprite and met a really nice guy who happened to be a cashier there. I was shopping for Pectin to make some homemade jam, He offered his assistance to locate it. I'm a country girl from Ky and had never rode a train or subway and bus only once. He asked me out and well... the rest is history; He took me on a Philadelphia SEPTA Tour round the city tour using the subway, "L" train and bus system. I fell hard. We are still together after that date. Yes I have photos to show. We are not that young as we are in our late 50's, Pushing 60 and thank you SEPTA for free rides on certain routes on Sunday. Soon we plan to ride the trolley, and an electric bus....Love Philly, Love Janet
Rob: After boarding a train one day, I noticed a new very beautiful girl on the train. I could tell she noticed me as well. We exchanged glances and smiles for several months. One day, a broken train allowed us to talk to each other. Although we didn't officially go on a date for the next few months, I knew she was special. After she asked me out one afternoon on a train ride home, we have been together and inseparable ever since. I proposed to her in the concourse of suburban station one morning. That was the spot where we always kissed goodbye before going to work. We have been married for 4 years in June. We also have 2 year old twins. Although our commute is much different in the morning than it used to be. We credit SEPTA for our love and family.
Sejal: I was thrilled when I found out my high school sweetheart will be attending Drexel University as it was en route to my college, University of Sciences in Philadelphia. The travel on SEPTA from hopping on the 14 to Frankford station to catching the El to the tough goodbye as he got off at 34th and I still had to ride the trolley to my final destination will always be in our memories. Riding together was truly precious: conversations flirtatious and when it was too quiet we held hands and looked at each other magically. Riding SEPTA was something we looked forward too and continued to do so for 5 years. The journey created so many deep memories that we continue to discuss it years later and we hope to share with our boys (ages 4 and 6) someday.
Debora: I first I saw the man who would become my spouse was in the Germantown section of the city. He was too cute and I assumed he had a girlfriend. I would see him on quiet streets in the neighborhood and on the H bus route. Without words, I noticed him and he noticed me and then we noticed each other. The first words we spoke to each other were on 05/06/95 at the H/XH bus stop at the intersection of Greene Street and Schoolhouse Lane. When we started dating, SEPTA was our mode of transportation since neither of us had a car at the time. We would ride on the 53 bus to get to Broad Street and Erie Avenue. A kiss for luck and we would start our work day. He would meet me and greet me with a kiss when I got off the R8 train at the Chelten Avenue Station from my part-time job in the evening. We rode the Market- Frankford line to see fireworks at Penn’s Landing, southbound on the Orange line to cheer on the Sixers and the Phillies. Steven and I married on Valentine’s Day in 1996 at City Hall by Judge Goodheart. Over the past 21 years, 2 children, 3 cars, 1 apartment and 2 houses later we still manage to make things work. When we purchased a home of our own, we decided to stay in Germantown because of close access to bus routes and regional rail station. Steven and I coordinate our schedules and we will meet at Jefferson Station after work to go to Reading Terminal to get groceries from the Farmer’s markets and ride home together. We still take walks along Penn’s Landing and find ourselves running to get the last Chestnut Hill East or Chestnut Hill West train for the night. SEPTA remains a big part of how we are moving around in the city for work, play and to look out the window and watch the world go by and watch sunshine surrender to moonlight. - Debora Gossett Rivers
Stephanie: In August of 2009 I was waiting at the 67 bus stop to catch the bus to work. There was one other person at the bus stop. A cute guy around my age holding a fishing rod. He asked me if I knew what time the bus was coming and our conversation continued from there. We always say he "reeled in" more than fish that day as he also reeled me in. Our love is going strong and we were just married on 12-16-16.Our story proves you can find love while riding Septa.
Martin: I recognized a girl I went to college with on the Regional Rail and sat next to her because she was wearing a sweatshirt with the University's name on it. We talked from Torresdale Station to Suburban Station and ended up planning a date for later that week. We spoke about how we both live in Northeast Philadelphia, and that she takes the train every day to work! After that, I began to see her on the train every day and it made my mornings much more pleasant! We have been dating for two years and are moving in together at the end of this year. Thanks, SEPTA!
Kelsey: It all happened in 2014. He was 16 and I was 17. We had met on an anonymous online app and we were both interested in meeting each other in person. Only problem was I live in Marcus hook and he lived in Exton. Neither of us had our own car. He took the train into Philadelphia every day for school. So he said that he would figure out how to get to Marcus Hook on the train. We picked the day that you would come here. We set a time and date that I would get him from the Marcus hook train station. The day came. I was waiting for him to get off the train and as we was walking down the stairs he seen me. He ran as fast as he could and hugged me. That is how SEPTA helped me find my love
Larry: I began riding the old R7 Trenton Line right out of high school in the fall of 1982. Commuting from Bristol to Drexel University for my engineering degree was my new life. As time went on, I would ride the train with my brother or other friends. In the fall of 1984, I noticed a new passenger riding the train with us. She would get on at Bristol and get off at 30th Street Station. Soon after leaving the iconic train station, she would disappear down into the depths of the trolley line. Being a Drexel student, I was already on campus, so I never knew where those mysterious steps went. All during that school year, I would see this new, attractive young lady ride the train, frequently with a male train-mate. I had just assumed that they were “together” and would casually greet them at the station, but nothing more. Through the winter and spring, we would all greet each other cordially. It was in a conversation later in the school year that I learned that this “couple” were actually brother and sister, and certainly were not “together”, as I once had thought. All of a sudden, my cordial greetings became a little more focused on one particular train-mate. Unfortunately, her brother would now be stuck sitting by himself occasionally if an empty three-seater wasn’t available. Sorry, Bob! After we began talking, we both learned that while I was thinking she was involved with her prior train-mate, she was also thinking the same of me when I would sometimes sit with an old high school friend. Come late June of that year, I finally got the nerve to ask her out to go miniature golfing with me on July 5, 1985. I vividly remember jotting her phone number down on the only paper in my pocket—my tattered red and white Trenton train schedule, of course. From then on, we spent many, many train rides together. She eventually taught me where those mysterious trolley steps led as she welcomed me to visit her campus at the former PCP&S (University of the Sciences). We spent many cold mornings on the train holding hands. It was my job to get her freezing hands up to temperature by the time we got to Torresdale. It was always her job to whip out a bag of M&M’s out of thin air. (I have never figured that one out.) After several years, we got engaged on July 5 at the same miniature golf course, and then got married in 1989. We went on to have five wonderful children and eventually moved to Florida. Our 28th anniversary is this fall. Whenever back in Pennsylvania, we always enjoyed taking all five kids on the Trenton Line down to Philly. It was a whole different experience with them. They all loved those train rides. They seemed almost at home there. I guess they had it in their blood. Enjoy the M&M’s, kids!
Shan: Four years ago, on February 8th, I actually left work almost on time. I’m a teacher and I tend to stay late. On the sub, I chatted with a student. I was so engrossed in the conversation that I didn't notice the girl that got on at city hall. She noticed me. She texted her friend: "I just saw my soulmate on the train. She doesn't know it yet, but she got off at my stop. It'll happen." I didn't know. I remember vaguely a girl exiting the train dressed oddly, with clunky boots and a skirt. There was snow that day, so the attire made sense, but it struck me as unusual nonetheless. The girl walked in front of me as we climbed the stairs. I have no idea why that detail stuck in my head on a random winter day. Six days later, on Valentine's Day, we met. I was acting as wingman (badly) for a friend. The girl was volunteering for an organization. Within minutes, our friends joked that they would see each other at our wedding. I didn't find out about her seeing me on the train for quite some time. I didn't believe her when she told me. She had to go back and show me the text. I’m really glad that oddly dressed girl with those boots became my wife. Best. Commute. Ever. **Edit: My wife pointed out that she was not "oddly dressed" but rather "dressed appropriately for the inclement weather." Haha. Fair.
Elena: On April 27th, 2014, I was traveling back to Philadelphia from a birthday party in NYC via NJ Transit to 30th Street Station. It was a nearly empty car and I was looking forward to a relaxing ride home. Just before the train took off from Penn station, two gentleman sat in the row next to me, rocking out to Guns N’ Roses. At first I thought, “Oh, great.” As much as I tried, I couldn’t ignore the man with the kind smile and dreamy eyes who started talking to me about his adventures of the day. I learned that the boys were headed home from the Flyers vs. Rangers game for his early birthday celebration. He started opening up to me about his life. I think he even revealed his social security number to me! Being shy and cautious, I offered little information about myself other than my first name. Before we transferred at Trenton, he sat right next to me and offered me his business cards. He joked that he was quite the catch, stating, “I work for the city of Philadelphia AND I’m in a rock band.” I darted out at Trenton and we lost each other during the transfer. I sat alone on the next train, wondering. Upon safe arrival to 30th street station, we crossed paths. He asked me to promise that I would contact him either way, because he wouldn’t be able to stop thinking about me. I played it cool and quickly made my way to the Market/Frankford line. A few days later, I found myself still thinking about him. Knowing when his real birthday was, I sent him a simple message that started it all, “happy birthday, train buddy. “Almost three years later, we have very much fallen in love with each other. He has helped me experience all there is to love about Philadelphia. He has brought so much joy to my life and our little home in South Philly. We have been very grateful for SEPTA’s role in helping us access all the fun happenings the city has to offer: Phillies games, the amazing bars and restaurants, and of course, (along with many other concerts), the Guns N’ Roses show this past summer at Lincoln Financial. I still can’t believe how lucky we are to have found each other.
Charisse: My story is a few words...My name is Charisse and I was on the "C" bus when this handsome bus driver, Bill, came to the rear of the bus and asked about the heat (on the bus). He bent over to see if the heat was on and asked if I was warm, etc. LOL. His way of starting a conversation with me. He said a few words and went back to his seat. When I approached the front of the bus to exit at my stop, he proceeded to talk to me and eventually asked me for my phone number. I said it real fast and made him memorize it. I said it a couple of times because he did not get it right the first time. I said if you want to talk to me, memorize my number and call me. Being that he drove a bus, he did not have a pen handy (I did though LOL) and no cell phone - it was 1998...lol. So he said it out loud a few times and memorized it because he called me and the friendship started and we have been together as a couple for 19 years!! Not married; just together non-stop for 18 years and we have a beautiful son. This man has been in my life through good and bad. We are here to stay. Thank you SEPTA for making buses with heating problems LOLOL Happy Valentine’s Day to my guy!
Peggy: I met the love of my life on the 107 Briarcliff. My beloved Pete would sit behind me and do the silliest things including pulling my hair! To get my attention! Soon we would stop for coffee in the mornings when we reached 69th street and as the days rolled on I would find him waiting for me at 5 pm in the terminal. We were together for 30 years sadly I lost him in 2009 as I write this I can Vicky remember the sights and sounds of that 107 bus and the terminal! How I long for those days!
Tim: I met my girlfriend, Christa, at Suburban Station and it turned out we both commute on the Trenton Line. But it started 3 years ago. I thought she was so beautiful and her smile could light up the entire station. But I noticed an engagement ring. She was in fact engaged to be married. So I never made a move and completely respected her and her relationship. I also, was in a relationship, actually at the end of a bad relationship. So I kept how I felt about Christa to myself. Well it turns out she was having the same feelings of attraction towards me and like me, she kept it to herself. Three years of stealing glances and polite banter. Then this past September, surprise, she sits down next to me on the train. I hadn't noticed but the engagement ring has been off for over a year! She said Hi and asked for my name. I asked her the same and we talked the whole ride home. We've been dating ever since and sit with each other every day to and from work. We both are very much in love and couldn't be happier. Thanks to SEPTA I met the love of my life.
Andrew: When I came to Philadelphia, it was a very stressful and hard move and adjusting to my new city was really tough, especially because I had given up my car. I ended up on the 9 bus from Roxborough to Center City every morning and every night. About a week into my new commute I noticed a really beautiful girl coming to the bus stop at the same time as me. We would always get on at the same stop in Roxborough and get off at the same spot in Center City. It took about two weeks, but I finally worked up the nerve to start up a conversation with her. I'm glad I did because we've been dating for almost four years, we have a great dog and we've traveled all over the world together! We're going to get married in August and it's all because we used the same bus! And, yes, we still take it together almost daily.
Elizabeth: Though this may not be a traditional love story between a boy and a girl, it shows the love and kindness of strangers. I am a high school girl that takes the train frequently. My story takes place 2 months ago. It was my first time taking the regional rail by myself and I was very nervous. So the train pulled up and I got on. And the train was crowded, so I sat next to someone who was reading on her tablet. The train conductor came around and collected my ticket. He punched a hole in the ticket, then put it on the seat in front of me. I asked the very nice lady sitting next to me if I should leave the ticket there or if I should get it back. She was very kind and said that you leave it and they'll get it later. She talked to me the whole time and we even got off at the same station by coincidence. This story shows how nice people can be to one another.
Jessica: Nine years ago a guy and a girl met on the SEPTA train on their way into work at their respective offices. That girl is me, and the guy is my now husband, Nick. When my husband first saw me on the train, he said that the first thing he noticed was that I was always smiling and happy when everyone else appeared solemn. Eventually, one day he decided to chat with me and asked me out on a dinner date. I accepted his offer to take me on a date, and we were inseparable ever since. Coincidentally, little did we know that we grew up just one town away from each other but somehow never crossed paths. If it weren't for SEPTA my husband I may have never even met each other. Thank you, SEPTA, for guiding me to my soul mate. As we always say, "you fall in love with the most unexpected person, at the most unexpected time".
Christa: Our story starts 3 years ago when I saw a man in suburban station that stopped me dead in my tracks. We locked eyes and said hello and kept walking. I kept walking because I was engaged and in a long term relationship that wasn't going anywhere. Over the next two years I had two short conversations and a lot of "hellos" with the handsome stranger. One of those times we both left work early because of a snow storm and we were the only two people around. A year ago my relationship of 15 years ended and everyone I knew tried to fix me up with someone they knew. I turned down every date because the only guy I was interested in was a man I knew nothing about. A man who grabbed my attention for three straight years. I decided one day a few months ago that the next time I saw him, I would introduce myself. We ride the Trenton train and I saw him on the platform and I watched him get on the train and I went right on and sat down next to him. I said "hello, my name is Christa Simeti and we've been saying hello for a very long time so I thought I'd introduce myself". He responded by shaking my hand and telling me his name (Tim McGrogan) and we have been together ever since that day. We are head over heels in love and already starting to plan our future together. The best part of my day is riding the train with him to and from work. We are so grateful that the train brought us together. 🚊💕 thank you for reading our story.
Rachel: I was friends for about a year with a guy named Julian when I was 16. We lost touch after I moved to a new area. Later, at age 18 I decided to go shopping and while waiting at the 24 bus stop at the Frankford terminal, I saw my old friend Julian. We decided to spend time together and became inseparable ever since. Now we have been together for 10 years, married for 5 years, and have a 9 year old son. I am sort of a homebody so the odds of me running into anyone are very low. Being at that 24 stop was the perfect place and time to change my life forever and meet my soul mate. It was fate that we found each other there and turned an old friendship into a beautiful romance. I can't pass by that spot without appreciating it and feeling so thankful that I stood there that day. Thank you SEPTA!
Jacqueline: I take the regional rail to work every day. One morning I sat next to a very attractive gentleman with an incredible beard. I had my headphones in and you could see on my phone screen which band I was listening to. He tapped on my shoulder and mentioned that I was listening to his favorite band and that he had tickets to see them in a few weeks. We chatted for the rest of the ride and right before I got off the train, he handed me his number and said "text me if you'd like to see that band with me. I have an extra ticket." I texted him as soon as I got to my office that day! We talked nonstop for the next three weeks until that concert. I didn't see him on the train again (turns out he was not a regular commuter!). We really hit it off at the show and it was the absolute best first date I've ever had. We dated for two years, just got engaged this past December and we're getting married on March 17, 2017!
Gloria: I had found love on SEPTA. My boyfriend and I met at the 57 stop in Dec 2015. We met every day at the same time and at the same stop. We worked down the street from one another and it turns out we live 9 blocks from each other as well...We built a friendship at first we talked for several months on the 57 and the 18. Long conversations that were very intimate. I was getting out of a bad relationship. I just needed a friend then that friendship led to our first date in June 2016. We knew from our first date we wanted to be together. Here we are celebrating almost 8 months and thinking about getting engaged. If it wasn't for SEPTA..I wouldn't be able to go to work and I wouldn't have met my soul mate. Thanks you SEPTA.
Michael: It ''twas a cold winter day in 2014. I was on board the west Trenton line to go to Temple University. Then, it happened. This one conductor who looked just like Steve jobs reincarnated inspected my pass. He said thank you. When I heard that, all my love for SEPTA and apple products skyrocketed. It was a great time. Go SEPTA go
Eugenia: My husband and I met at 30th street station on 2/5/2001 in the middle of a surprise snow storm that hit the city. It was after 8pm; the trains were not running, and I, being a Temple freshman and fairly new to commuting, was cold and scared. I saw a guy who looked familiar, I recognized him from Philmont train station so I decided to start talking to him because if he found a way home I would too. We ended up talking until we finally made it to Philmont (a few hours later) and were train buddies for a year until we officially began dating. Fast forward to 2016 - we've been married for 12 years and have two girls! A late or suspended train isn't always a bad thing ;)
James: When I was 24, my roommate introduced me to a girl. She was the most beautiful person I had ever seen in my life. As I fumbled through small talk, trying to keep my cool, I found out that she worked downtown. I also worked in Center City, taking the R5 from Glenside. Turns out she boarded a later train from Jenkintown. I said “That’s so funny…that’s the train take that I take” and from that day forward I would always be a little late to work because I drove to Jenkintown instead of walking to the train at Glenside on the off chance I get to spend even a little more time with her. It was worth it. Soon I became “Train Friend Jim” and then just Jim. I knew I wanted to marry her the moment we met, but when it came time to ask her I knew the right place to pop the question. I made up some excuse to get her over to Stazi Milano which was then still at the Jenkintown train station. We sat on the bench outside for a moment and I looked at her and said “it’s crazy…this is where it all started for us. I think we should start the next part of our life together here as well” I knelt down right there at the station and asked if she would make me the happiest man in the world”. 15 happy years, 2 houses, 3 kids, 3 dogs, 2 guinea pigs, and 1 fairly charming hamster later I still take the train from Jenkintown. I see that bench every day and smile and wonder how I got so lucky.
Judith: I met my husband Michael on Valentine’s Day at 15th Street on the Market Frankfurt Line Platform on Valentine’s Day 1972. He asked me what I did for excitement and I have to say that at first I was hesitant but then accepted his offer for a date. We were engaged by April of 1972. I was from Mayfair and he was from Port Richmond. The rest is history. We have been married since April 14, 1973 and have 2 grown children. It was fate that I was on the platform that day and also that it was Valentine’s Day.
Charnette: After giving up on love, we found love at the 69th St Terminal. We met for a blind date at the terminal. I remember being so nervous about meeting him. As I got off the MFL and walked up the steps my thoughts became intense. What did he look like, was he a gentleman, did he have all his teeth?! Lol I even contemplated getting back on the train and standing him up. As I got closer to our meeting place (the bench by the door where the bridge is) I calmed myself by telling myself "It doesn't matter because you’re not trying to marry him". Flash forward 15 years and guess what, we are getting married! I really wanted to relive that day by putting on my gown and having my friends, family and followers board the train with me at 40th St. We would ride up to 69th street and meet him and his friends, family and followers, so we could be married in the same place where my last thought before introduction was the furthest thing from marriage. Of course that would cost more money than we have to spare (a girl can dream though lol). So we have told our family and friends, we have decided to elope. The marriage matters more than the wedding. We will be Mr. & Mrs...2017!
Cyrell: Well i will love to tell our story about how i met the Love of my life over 20 years ago. I was walking down 60th St. towards Market so i can take the el to see someone this was early 90's so when i got to the el steps me & my two children who was 1&2yrs of age this is when i met the love of my life. He help me go all the way up so i can get on with my double stroller we look into each other eyes & it was love @ first contact so i got on & thought about him the whole ride. So days go by and I’m on my way back up market St. to the el Stop and guess what yes there he go but this time we talk went on a date & make a long story short we ben together for 20yrs married for 3yrs💖💖💖
Lisa: My (now) husband and I were friends for years before we started dating. In 2003, when we were just friends, we worked together and would often take the #10 trolley from 36th Street to our respective stops in Center City. Then one day, while on the train, something changed. We locked eyes, and he kissed me goodbye when we reached his stop. I was beyond smitten. We’ve been together ever since, have been married since 2009, and have 2 incredible kids. To this day, every time I see the #10, I can't help but smile. Thanks SEPTA!
Brittany: I met my husband July 6, 2006 on the L SEPTA bus going from Haines & Stenton to Broad & Olney. I was only 13 and he was 15. I saw him around the neighborhood but we never actually spoke. Once I got on the bus I went straight to the back to have a seat. He was sitting in the back as well and spoke. The rest of the ride we spoke and from that day forward every morning on our bus route to school we spoke. Now 10 years later we are married with two small children ages 4 and 2. We always reminisce about the time we met and are happy that we made it this far.
Victoria: Michael and I met on the Broad Street Line on Labor Day weekend of 2013. We ended up sitting next to each other on the south bound train, talking sports rivalries (as Mike is a devoted Philadelphia Eagles/Phillies fan) as we eventually made our way to Morgan's Pier. Three years later, he would take me back to Morgan's Pier to propose, and now 4 years later, we are getting married in a Philly! Thanks SEPTA for introducing me to Mike on the BSL all those years ago. :)
Kahdijah: I'm on the 13th trolley heading to Yeadon when I'm practically falling on black ice. There's a guy who catches me right before I slip on the tracks or the ice. It was magical because he came out of nowhere as if he knew I was falling and somehow not only did I fall but I fell into his arms safely and in love with him all in one. He rode the market Frankford line all the way down with me so we had a nice long talk and out of nowhere someone must've been selling flowers because when I turned around for my stop he turned around with the flowers. And thanks to SEPTA public services me and Rahul is still together and getting married on Feb. 14th. Being able to commute and connect with various types of people was the best creation SEPTA could have made. Thanks to SEPTA and the tracks I found true love
Anna: We didn't meet on SEPTA, but we did meet on my weekly commute to my Monday classes. He walked up to me in the Book-a-Million in the Gallery and asked "So, uh... You read Stephen King?" which was funny because I'm a huge King fan. He took me to get coffee and we walked to his bus stop (across from my school). Now we take SEPTA to see each other every weekend and sometimes for lunch during the week. It’s been 5 years and we have SEPTA and the Gallery to thank :)
Anthony: Me & my wife of 23 years met at Frankford Transportation Center I was on way to see my brother and she was coming from work, we engage in conversation exchange phone numbers no cells back then, so we would talk for hours on the phone, finally we went out on a date couple weeks later, months later we move in and the rest is as the say history and to kids later, well that's it for me.
Theresa: My husband, John, and I met in September1972 on one of the old "Red Rattlers" on the Wilmington line. We had both graduated high school (him St. James and me Sharon Hill) in June. I was on my way to work in Philly and he was going to school for Drafting in the Northeast. He got on in Eddystone with his friends and I got on in Sharon Hill and met up with the girls I worked with. But getting on so far down the line I rarely got a seat. This day I was standing in the aisle towards the front of the car talking to my friends and one of his friends was sitting across from them. When we reached 30th Street a gentleman was getting off and instead of waiting for the train to get through the switches I started to sit down and fell into his friends lap. That literally broke the ice. We started dating and as of last October we have been married for 42 years. And our train conductor, John, attended our wedding! By the way my husband has been collecting trains since his parents started him with his first train in 1957 and we had to add a room onto our home to house my husband’s train layout that is up all year around.
Katherine: I was on the El heading down to 34th street station. My boyfriend was with me and he was making me laugh so hard that I could tell that the other passengers were getting mad. There was this man; Daniel I think was his name, that was selling cookies. I felt bad because I could tell he was homeless and I bought a cookie. He gave it to me and said thank you and he moved on to other passengers. I took a bite into the cookie but when I took a bite, it felt hard. I looked down and I saw a shiny ring. I knew right then and there, what was happening and I said yes. But I asked him how he pulled it off and he said, "I knew you were a good natured woman and that you would do anything to help the less fortunate. I am so lucky to have you in my life." This man is still my husband for 17 years and counting and I love him more and more, each day.
Rebecca: New Year’s Eve 2014 into 2015 I was with friends riding the El to a party in center city from 69th Street when a man walked on at 34th St. & sat behind me. I jokingly turned to him and asked, "Want to be my 2015 boyfriend?" He replied yes and played along. As I was getting off at my stop he asked for my phone number. Two years later we are happily living together. It truly was a Miracle on 34th Street!
Clayton: I got on the BSL at 15th street and so did some dancers. One of the guys saw his girlfriend on the train and gave her kiss and then, he and his group of dancers began dancing as planned. As they were dancing, one of the guys flipped over, took out a ring, get on one knee, and proposed to his girlfriend. She was so shocked and she said, "Yes", with tears of joy running down her face and everyone cheered. The rest is history.
Julia: Ten years ago while riding the R3 West Trenton train home from work at Penn; I sat next to a man with the most gorgeous blue eyes. I noticed him from the time he walked through the door at Market East. On that day the train ran late, and of course I was late for an appointment. This man with the beautiful blue eyes began to talk to me. The first thing he said to me was "I know you for somewhere." I thought yeah great pick up line buddy. Turns out he coached my younger cousin’s ice hockey team, and saw me at the games. I got off the turn after talking to blue eyes for an hour, but I forgot to exchange numbers. So let's just say I frequented a lot of hockey games. Finally blue eyes and I went out on our first date. And two year later Rob and I got engaged on the platform of the Woodbourne station. We have now been married seven years, and have two beautiful girls. It was love at first sight on the West Trenton line.
Dawn: It was a cold Presidents' Day and I was meeting my then soon to be longtime boyfriend down in the city for the Flyers game. I was in Roxborough on Ridge Avenue, right where the Wissahickon train station is. Not realizing at the time it was a holiday, I couldn't figure out why there was delayed service. The train would not come! So I spent a large portion of an hour running back-and-forth on Ridge Avenue between where the bus stop was and where the train was. I had to catch something SEPTA to get down and see him! Of course no bus was the right one and no train was the right one. My luck! I was on the phone with Jeff almost the entire time and he was laughing a hysterically at me. Benchley I just had to laugh because I thought ridiculous. In the end, had to come pick me up all the way from Jersey so that we could make it in time, but it's our funniest SEPTA story. I'm happy to say he's my husband. ❤
Evangeline: Nine years ago I was standing on the corner @ around 5:30 in the morning waiting for the Route 60 bus On my way to work but the bus never showed up, I kept looking @ the time afraid I would miss my train but a car pulled up & when the passenger side window came down I noticed it was the bus driver. Hestinant about getting in the car with a STRANGER I did with my finger on speed dial he drove me to the train station & we exchanged numbers, we dated for about 3years & got married in 2011 ❤ this year we will celebrate our 6 year wedding anniversary.
Tom: When I worked night shift as a nurse there would be days where my only contact with my girlfriend, who worked a 9-5 job, would be in passing in SEPTA stations. It became a bit of a ritual. In the evening, I would catch her in the evening as she got off the El at 15th Street for her transfer south, and I got on to head to the hospital. "Last car!" we would text each other, so we could meet at the doors for a quick kiss. In the morning, I would run to catch my train home, hoping for the chance to see her off as we crossed paths again at the Snyder Avenue platform. With night shifts behind us now, we are happy newlyweds, and probably wouldn't have made it to this point without our romantic fleeting underground connections.
Linda: This love story dates back to 1943. My father had been visiting a friend and happened to see my mother waiting for the trolley. The next day, he walked blocks out of his way to wait with her and ride the trolley to her stop. Then he had to walk many blocks back to get home. They rode the trolley together every day, and they slowly became friends until he had the nerve to ask her out. She had no idea that he was riding the wrong trolley just to be with her! It must be have worked. They were happily married for over 40 years. Although they have both since passed, I credit those trolley rides as starting their romance.
Adam: A really cute girl was sitting on the bus and as my drop was approaching, I finally summoned the courage to go talk to her. Little to our amazement, we were heading to the same event downtown! Fast forward a year later and she was accepted into a grad school program in Reading. Not wanting to be apart, I decided to move in with her and still take the SEPTA train every day to my job in Philadelphia. We've been living together now for a year and a half. The commute is about two hours each way (1 hour drive to train station plus 1 hour train ride), but she's completely worth it. Thanks SEPTA!
Jolanda: One day 4 years ago I usually take my car but that day decided to take the bus. I took the R and the operator that day waited for me as I was running. He smiled and as I asked him directions we locked eyes and knew it was love at first sight. We've been inseparable since and we can't wait to spend the rest of our lives together and our family. If it wasn't for me riding the bus I would have never found Sammy the love of my life. Thank you SEPTA!
Monique: I was taking the 12 bus like I did every day to my home in Greys Ferry from my job at 11th & Market Street I was chatting with a lady who caught the same bus as me everyday on her way home All of a sudden I hear someone say my name and I look up and there right in front of me was my childhood crush! I had not seen John for many years When we were both about 11 years old me and my girlfriends would follow him around our neighborhood just block from the 12 bus We took that bus everywhere There he was with this giant smile on his face and he said "I have always wanted to ask you something." What's that I asked and he said "will you marry me?" I started laughing red faced and completely embarrassed My friend was laughing and being seated at just the right angle I could see my driver who I had drive my bus home almost daily laughing too. Then he said “No? Ok I'll settle for a date then He got off at my stop with me at 29th street and walked me to my house we will be celebrating our 26th wedding anniversary this year I think we will celebrate by taking a ride on the 12 where it all started!
Briana: December 23.2010 I was riding the sub on my way home and I met the man that changed my life and gave me 2 beautiful baby's. It's funny because I can remember as if it was yesterday the sub came rolling into the Girard stop when I see him getting ready to step on the same cart as me it was instinct almost when he seen me and our eyes. Locked and he smiled then came to sit next to me I never spent a day without him since now its 2017 lol
Natasha: It was a cold day in Philadelphia, when met my husband in 2003 at the SEPTA stop at 8th and Market the gallery it was last time we were SINGLE! He was so sweet and nice we took a bus down South Street and looked around, took the bus to Delaware Avenue. It’s been about 14years and we still take the bus together to 8th and market and have lunch! I love my man and I ❤️ SEPTA
Matthew: Well I meet my wife on a SEPTA bus 25 years ago and now with 4 kids later we are still married
Lashonda: I met my Mr. Right when i was catching the MFL. I stood by the door, not noticing that a handsome guy was looking my way. I was so tuned into my world of music. But i happened to look up to see if my stop was coming and i catch a glimpse of his bring brown beautiful eyes. He smiled and i smiled back. He walked toward me and introduced his self as Marvin. I was a little too nervous to speak but then i managed to say my name Lashonda. We giggled and talked for a good bit. Realizing that i enjoyed the conversation, i almost hated to leave. And so at the same moment, we both asked for each other's number. It was like time had stopped and i knew then that he was right for me. He escorted me onto the platform and even grabbed my bag. I was swept off my feet. Having to depart, my remainder of my day was spent thinking about Marvin and the conversation we had. It was amazing!
Robin: March 23, 2004 is still one of the best days of my life. A true life changer! I technically connect to my better half on a dating website but we decided to meet up for the first time at Frankford terminal. I saw him and the butterflies with instantaneous! He was handsome but the true moment he had me hooked was on our trip on the westbound Market Frankford line. We were on our way to South Street and he kept telling me these horrendously not funny cow jokes because he could see I was nervous. We're now going on 13 years, 3 beautiful daughters and 2 cats later- thanks for the ride of a lifetime SEPTA!
Marie: Met my love on the train at Huntington Station I'll always remember because now we have a 2 year old beautiful daughter, Destiny.
Damaris: Yes I meet my true love on the SEPTA. I had just moved here from Orlando and as soon I saw her, her eyes hypnotized me. She just had that look that made me melt. I had to start conversation with her. It's been 8 months together since then and I can at I ask happily engaged and we are getting married in July 15, 2017. We are proud lesbians. One Love! Love wins!
Brianna: I was riding the broad street line from South Street to Olney station. There was a young man standing across from me and he was doodling in a notebook. I noticed that he kept glancing at me and i get nervous in those situations so i kept looking at him and looking away. When we got to Cecil B Moore, he handed me a drawing of myself and his phone number. He said that i was the most beautiful woman that's he’s ever seen. Still the nicest thing a man has done for me
Jena: My girlfriend at the time and I were at the Frankford Terminal waiting for the Route 25 bus to show up one day. We sat on the bench, smoked our cigarettes, and maybe not even 10 minutes later, this girl and her child walk up and sit on the bench, too. My girlfriend being the social butterfly she is started talking to the girl. Find out she's about our age and we start connecting through conversation and laughing trying to pass the time. Eventually we all got on the bus, sat in the back and turns out we were getting off a block away from each other. We decided to get off at the stop in-between ours and take one another’s number and part ways. We ended up adding each other on social media and almost 2 years later, that girl we met is now one of my very close best friends and I’m very thankful for her coming into my life. Thanks for letting us ride SEPTA!
Chynna: I met my other half riding the SEPTA train in 2012 a year after my sister passed away i had a long year n stress upon me i caught the market Frankford line and still to do till this day to go to work... I saw this guy that got on the train every morning at spring garden station the first thing i noticed about him that he was tall and has a nice smile ... And i always caught him starring i would act like i didn’t see him laugh out loud ...one day he got on the train and set next to me i looked at him he looked at me and sat down ... Thrn next thing you know he asks how are you doing today pretty i smile and said im fine how are you all these open seats and you sit next to me laugh out loud we both laughed and he said maybe this was a perfect seat for for a perfect view. To see you i smiled he said let me take you out what’s your number and from that day on up until now 2017 we the best we stay together were in love were each other’s match
Adam: I was at my senior year in high school. Not too many friends. 2012 so everyone was talking about the final year ever, haha. I take SEPTA religiously and had the student pass. I used it every day. One of the days, I woke up late. Grabbed my stuff and ran out the door to the 58. I needed to get to Coffman to take the 70 for northeast high. While on the bus I saw a small Asian girl I assume was also late because we had matching uniforms. I thought she was really cute. She didn't pay any kind until a known older woman fell over and started having a phase 2 seizure. Everyone just should up and panicked. My best friend had epilepsy so I did what I needed to and times the seizure. Checked pulse and kept everyone away. After she thanked me for taking care of her and the girl talked to me. We ended up skipping that day to get ice cream and go to Macy's to sit on their display furniture. That because our after school tradition and soon enough we got together. We've been together ever since and soon I want to ask her to marry me. Thanks SEPTA haha :)
Elyse: Last summer I was hanging out with my friend Dylan, he was teaching me how to ride a bike since my parents never did. After it got too hot to keep biking up and down the Parkway we decided to take the Broad Street Line to North Philly to meet up with our friends. I dropped my token in and went through the turnstile but when Dylan tried to the SEPTA worker stopped him and told him he couldn't bring his bike on the subway at peak hours. I laughed and he yelled to me over the turnstiles that he could bike and still beat me there. We had a bet. Dylan had been trying to get me to go out with him for months but I was going to school in New York and didn't want to date someone from home so I kept rejecting him. That day he bet me that if he could get to our friend's place near the Susquehanna-Dauphin stop on his bike before the subway could, I had to go on a date with him. I never thought he could bike that far so quick, especially in 100 degree heat, so I took the bet. He ran out of City Hall station and I confidently waited for the subway. Fifteen minutes later I got to my friend's place, sure that he was still struggling through Center City. When I walked in the door, he was already there, lying on the floor, sweating and panting. He beat me! We went on that date, and so many more since.
Margaret: Everyday my now husband and I would see each other while riding the 70 bus to work. We were soon chatting and taking the market Frankford line to downtown dates. Our love even endured the el detours. We now are early adopters and travel all over our great city and suburbs together.
Brittany: I don't remember swiping right on him. Tinder had become a game of sorts, a mindless activity to pass the time. Dating apps had such a stigma of non-commitment, I was beginning to get wary of all the guys just looking for a fling. Andrew seemed different. He messaged me shortly after we matched, saying hello and introducing himself. "Let's go to a Phillies game," he said. I was already impressed. He didn't want to just "grab a drink" like all the others? We made plans to meet at City Hall. I saw him waiting at a table. He hugged me and we said hello. "Let's go," he said, and we headed down into the Broad Street Line. Waiting for the subway, we made small talk. It was awkward, but comfortable. As we rode down to Citizen's Bank Park, I felt excited. This felt like the beginning of something. Over the hum of the subway car, he told me about his passions - one of them, of course, being baseball. Already we were finding things we had in common. Almost two years later, we have traveled to many parts of the city on SEPTA - whether via subway, train, or bus. Ours is a love that started with a few tokens and some apprehensive online daters, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Melody: I met the love of my life on SEPTA bus #33. It was chilly and we were sitting next to each other complaining about the heat not being turned on. Out of nowhere, he tells me I'm beautiful and he gives me a rose. We exchanged names & numbers and went out on our 1st date. Over wine & sushi, we talked about our future plans and decided to start dating. Ever since our 1st date, we soon fell in love, and now we are happily married for 2 years.
Paws The Dog: I was but a young pup when we first crossed paths. As the recently minted SEPTA mascot I was still getting my bearings when I learned I'd be making a special joint appearance with another top city mascot to promote overall safety in the city. My handler promised me it would be a short commitment, and I'd be excited when I met the mascot for the fire department. Excited turned out to be an understatement. When I first laid eyes on Gentry, the city's fire mascot, I knew we'd be two peas in the proverbial pod. Gentry just got it, you know? He understood how to represent the city in a professional way, how to deal with stressful situations, how to be a dog who walked on two feet and wore human clothes. It was like I'd met my soul mate. After the event we rode the rails together, and have continued many days since, cutting a path using the train lines, trolleys, and busses provided by SEPTA. So while this isn't a love story in the romantic sense of the word, I like to think it's a modern interpretation of Plato's original concept of love between two kindred spirits. Gentry and I are bosom buddies, members of the same pack, and we'll be there for each other for years to come. And it's all thanks to SEPTA. Thanks, SEPTA!
Amberlee: City Hall. Walk the steps underground with William Penn above. Slide a rolled up $2 under the window and drop $.25 in the slot – “thank you and have a good day”-- push through the turnstile. The air is heavy, even underground. A woman fans herself with a folded takeout menu. A man in a suit, grips his briefcase as he reaches his neck over the platform, searching for lights in the distant tunnel. A group of teenagers listen to an upbeat song on their phone, as a woman in green shorts nearby taps her foot. A toddler cries when he drops his lollipop and pulls at his mother’s flowered skirt to give him another. Against the wall two men sit on upside down milk crates holding out samples of oils and incense. Tracks rumble in the distance. Soft white lights brighten the tunnel. The train whooshes by. Each car—ca-clunk, ca-clunk, ca-clunk. My legs peel off the bench as I stand to join the crowd waiting for the doors to open. People pour out as we pour in. The doors close and the temperature drops to a level that feels comfortable. I lean against the doors as the train zooms on. “Next stop: 13th street station.” A man with a Phillies hat taps me on the shoulder and offers me his seat. “Thank you,” I smile. Across from me a man unwraps a hoagie, taking a bite as onions fall on his lap. Two women talk about a show’s terrible season finale and their day at work. A girl in a school uniform writes in her notebook, twirling her hair as she concentrates. The woman sitting next to me shakes her head as she plays a game on her phone, while a man walked up and down the aisle— “DVDs: 2 for $5”.I have lived in this city for two years and five months. I came from a town too small for a public transportation system. Here I work, volunteer and socialize friends. Try new things and find comfort in old habits. Explore the Italian market, museums and hunt for murals and graffiti. Walk the parks, attend free yoga classes and dance to bands at open mic nights. As I lean my head on the window on this hot July day, it is the first time I feel like I found my place. A place that comforts me on rainy days and excites me on sunny ones. A place the embraces me for who I was, am and will be. A place that finally feels like home. A place that I love. <3 Philly
