Transit Forward Philadelphia

After the state budget passed in 2025 with no new additional transit funding, Transit Forward Philadelphia and its coalition partners spoke at multiple SEPTA board meetings asking SEPTA leaders to communicate to riders updated plans for their bus redesign.

Since our formation in 2020, Transit Forward Philadelphia has advocated for a redesigned, reliable, and affordable bus system in Philly. The fact is that too many Philadelphians have been late to work or school because of unreliable buses, face wait times of up to an hour, or struggle to reach their destinations outside of peak commute times. A 2022 TFP rider survey connected with over 2,000 SEPTA bus riders and affirmed the need for change.

Over the past several years, SEPTA has shared evolving plans for a ‘Bus Revolution’ to update its bus network. In 2024, the new network was indefinitely postponed.

This month, SEPTA made their announcement, now titled the ‘New Bus Network’. The plan will be implemented in phases, with the first taking place in August 2026.

August 2026 Changes will include:

• Two new bus routes:
  • Route 72 on Cheltenham Avenue connecting Frankford Transit Center and Cedarbrook Plaza
  • Route 76 providing service between North Philadelphia and South Philadelphia
• Extensions to existing bus routes:
  • Route 45 to the Navy Yard
  • Route 79 to University City
• Frequency improvements to bus routes 6, 46, 47, 49, 57 and  64
• Visit SEPTA’s New Bus Network site for a full list of changes and information on phase 2 and 3.

Here’s what this means for transit riders:

• Routes and timetables will change. That’s why it is critical for SEPTA to communicate these changes to riders in a format that is accessible to them by meeting them where they are - at transit stops, on buses, and in the community.
• This plan is ‘revenue neutral.’ That means that service improvements for riders are paid for by finding efficiencies on other routes.
  • Funding Transit For All PA and passing a sustainable funding source for SEPTA is one way to avoid future austerity plans.
• With state funding up in the air, the New Bus Network makes investments that deliver positive changes for many Philly bus riders. The graph below from SEPTA’s Annual Service Plan(pg. 126), shows how SEPTA proposes to take resources from routes that cost 6x-7x more $ to operate and uses them to increase frequency and reliability on more efficient routes. Shoutout to Route 60 for being the most efficient bus in PA!

• The New Bus Network is not a perfect system. The Transit Forward Philly coalition has expressed concerns over eliminating fixed route service for ‘microtransit’ in parts of Noristown, Paoli-Great Valley, and West Chester- Malvern. Elimination of service to some communities such as Gladwynne without any form of microtransit is a disappointing service cut. Riders of eliminated buses like Route 1 may need to make multiple transfers to reach their destination. These changes may be abrupt for many riders and clear communication is a critical part of the New Bus Network’s success.
• Given the funding constraints that SEPTA has been under and the changes that have been made to address community concerns since the beginning of the Bus Revolution project, overall this plan provides easier access to more frequent service for more bus riders. Philly transit riders should be able to go to a bus stop near their home, work or school, and know that a reliable bus is on the way on weekdays, evenings, and weekends. On balance, the New Bus Network, improves service for Philadelphians and gets us closer to this goal.

Here’s what you can do:

• Attend a New Bus Network Event
  • Check SEPTA’s website for the most up to date information

• Join an Open House and Hearing on April 15 at SEPTA HQ (1234 Market St) - Register here with TFP
  • 11am - In Person Open House
  • 12pm - Public Hearing (Virtual or In Person) Register via Webex
  • 5 pm - In Person Open House
  • 6 pm - Public Hearing (Virtual or In Person) Register via Webex
    
• Read the full annual service plan.
  • Check out changes to routes you and your neighbors take - read SEPTA’s justifications and make your voice heard about what you think.
• Share updates on the New Bus Network with your community
  • You can help your fellow bus riders, your friends, family, neighbors, and community groups know what is coming. Share the New Bus Network proposal and let your people know how they can take action.

We want to hear from you:
Is there a part of the New Bus Network that you love, disagree with, or have questions about? Your voice matters in this process and we want to help amplify it. Please contact [email protected] with your comments.

As a diverse 37+ member coalition, we understand that big changes like this to the 6th largest transit system in America with nearly half a million bus riders will impact everyone differently. We may have differences of opinion on specific aspects of this plan but we share the goal of a more reliable, sustainable, and accessible transit in Philly. We are committed to working with everyone moving forward to  building the transit system that Philly deserves.