SEPTA Rapid transit (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA))

The public transportation landscape of the Philadelphia metropolitan area is intricately woven together by two major entities—the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) and the Port Authority Transit Corporation (PATCO). The line opened between Lindenwold and Camden on January 4, 1969, with the full line to Philadelphia opening a few weeks later on February 15, 1969. Its diverse services include buses, trolleys, regional rail, and rapid transit lines such as the Market-Frankford Line and the Broad Street Line, which seamlessly connect Philadelphia and its surrounding areas. On the other side of the Delaware River, the Port Authority Transit Corporation (PATCO) Speedline began operation on February 15, 1969, fostering a vital link between Philadelphia and Camden County, New Jersey. This rapid transit system has expanded over the years, particularly as it expanded its reach to Philadelphia International Airport in 1985. Together, SEPTA and PATCO play an integral role in shaping the mobility, connectivity and accessibility of Philadelphia's vibrant and historic city.

Operator
Operation start1 November 1965
Total Lines4 Metro Lines
Total Station71 Active Stations
Metro City/CountryPhiladelphia United States
Official Webhttp://www.ridepatco.org/

Metro linesStationsTerminal stations
▣ Market–Frankford Line28Frankford Transportation Center ⇄ 69th Street Transportation Center
▣ Broad Street Line22NRG station ⇄ Fern Rock Transportation Center
▣ Broad Street Line88th & Market ⇄ Fern Rock Transportation Center
▣ Norristown High Speed Line2169th St Transportation Center ⇄ Norristown Transportation Center

  • The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), serving the Philadelphia metropolitan area, began operations in 1969, consolidating several transit agencies to create a unified public transit system.
  • SEPTA operates a variety of modes of transit, including buses, trolleys, regional rail, and the Broad Street and Market-Frankford subway-elevated lines, providing comprehensive coverage throughout the region.
  • The Port Authority Transit Corporation (PATCO) Speedline, connecting Philadelphia with Camden County, New Jersey, began service on February 15, 1969, providing a rapid transit link between the two cities.
  • The Market–Frankford Line, part of SEPTA's subway-elevated system, is one of the city's major east–west transit corridors, connecting West Philadelphia with northeastern parts of the city.
  • The Broad Street Line, another major component of SEPTA's rapid transit system, provides service in North and South Philadelphia, connecting major neighborhoods and attractions.
  • PATCO Speedline expanded its service to Philadelphia International Airport in 1985, providing a convenient transit option for air travelers.
  • SEPTA's regional rail network connects Philadelphia with its suburbs and outlying areas, providing commuter rail services to many destinations.
  • Both SEPTA and PATCO feature intermodal connections with other modes of transportation, including buses, allowing seamless transfers and broad transit coverage.
  • Major stations such as Suburban Station (SEPTA) and 8th and Market (PATCO) serve as major transit hubs, facilitating transfers between different lines and modes.
  • SEPTA and PATCO collectively play a vital role in the regional transportation network, providing essential services that support the economic and social connectivity of the Philadelphia metropolitan area and neighboring regions.