Southbound SEPTA B Line trains skipped a string of key Broad Street stops Wednesday morning after a person was struck and killed at the Girard Avenue station, throwing the rush-hour commute into disarray and packing platforms with frustrated riders.
According to CBS Philadelphia, southbound trains were bypassing Allegheny, Susquehanna–Dauphin, Cecil B. Moore, Girard and Fairmount stations while emergency crews and police worked at the scene. The outlet reported that the changes were posted to SEPTA’s social channels as first responders remained in the station.
SEPTA’s message, cited by CBS Philadelphia, said the bypass would remain in place “until further notice.” Riders were urged to “allow extra time to get to your destination, or consider a bus route,” a less-than-thrilling option for commuters just trying to get to work or school on time.
Service and rider impact
The B, the line formerly known as the Broad Street Line, is SEPTA’s major north–south subway spine, running roughly from Fern Rock to the Sports Complex and carrying significant daily ridership. Wikipedia notes the line logged about 115,000 weekday boardings in 2019.
Fatal incidents on the B have triggered major disruptions before. After a 2018 fatality at Allegheny station, SEPTA deployed shuttle buses to cover the gap in service, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. When the subway stalls, riders often spill onto nearby bus and surface routes and those routes quickly feel the strain.
What riders should do
If you are planning to ride the B this morning, expect delays and give yourself extra time. Consider taking nearby bus or surface routes or using a different mode entirely until full service is restored. Check SEPTA’s official channels and local news outlets for the latest updates. This story will be updated as authorities release more information.
