Philadelphia commuters can look forward to expanded service options and potentially less crowded trains as SEPTA's new Regional Rail schedule took effect on Sunday, Feb. 1. According to an announcement from SEPTA, the routine update aims to improve reliability and incorporate adjustments for ongoing transportation infrastructure projects. NBC Philadelphia reports that the schedule features minor service increases on the Wilmington, Trenton, and Chestnut Hill East lines, along with greater frequency from Wayne Junction to Philadelphia International Airport.
In response to past overcrowding and service interruptions, SEPTA has focused on expanding its vehicle fleet. Notably, the transit authority has integrated additional cars following federal inspections and repairs of Silverliner IV rail cars last year. As part of their reinforcement strategy, SEPTA will utilize newly acquired rail cars from the Maryland Area Rail Commuter (MARC) system, and some locomotive-pulled trains to support higher vehicle counts during peak hours, thereby providing more cars per train, less crowding, and a reduction in skipped stops, according to an article from SEPTA.
Commuters on the Fox Chase Line, however, will face a temporary transition to shuttle bus service due to continuous welded rail work — affecting trips between Fox Chase and Wayne Junction stations on weekdays from 9 am to 2:30 pm until April 3. In tandem with the rail adjustments, changes in bus schedules will also occur to ensure seamless connections with the updated train times, particularly impacting Bus Routes 201, 204, and 206 during the AM periods.
For those navigating the new schedule, information regarding these changes is accessible through the SEPTA website, their planning portal, and the SEPTA App, where future trips can be planned, and real-time train arrival updates are provided. The updated times have been reflected online approximately 1 week before the effective date, facilitating a smooth transition for riders onto the new schedule. Meanwhile, 957 BEN FM notes that the addition of MARC cars and locomotive-hauled trains is expected to make a significant difference in enhancing service during the bustling morning and evening rushes.
