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Bus riders on dozens of Philly-area routes are about to see changes as SEPTA rolls out the first phase of its “New Bus Network” this weekend.
You’ve probably seen the new signs, possibly with a little confusion and apprehension about how your regular stop might be affected when phase one takes effect.
All but two route changes are scheduled to take place on Sunday, Aug. 23. Changes to Route 105 and 106 will happen the next day.
SEPTA has already drawn up the new City, North and West transit maps, and set up an online trip planner with all the route changes. If you have questions, you can register for a virtual Q&A session on Wednesday from 6 to 7 p.m.
Here’s a breakdown of SEPTA’s first round of changes.
New routes
Two new bus routes are being added, both running every 30 minutes.
Route 72 will connect Market Frankford Transit Center and Cedarbrook Plaza via Chelten Avenue.
Route 76 will run between North and South Philly along the eastern side of the city, along Columbus Boulevard, Frankford Avenue and G Street.
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Discontinued routes
Here are the following bus routes that will be discontinued, and the alternate routes you can take going forward.
Route 35: Look at Routes 9, 27 and 61.
Route 47M: Look at Route 47.
Route 62: Look at Routes 9, 27 and 61, or the Manayunk/Norristown Regional Rail Line.
Route 78: SEPTA does not have any recommended alternatives.
Route 80: Look at Routes 22, 51, 55, 72 and 310.
Route 89: Look at Routes 3, 25, 53 and 76, or the L (Market-Frankford Line).
Route 106: Look at Routes 31, 65 and 103, and the Paoli/Thorndale Regional Rail Line. Take Route 105 for service to Paoli Hospital.
Changed routes
Service is being altered for the following buses.
Route 4 is going to have reduced service throughout the week.
Route 17 is being shortened and will no longer reach Packer Park, NRG Station and the Navy Yard. Route 45 now provides seven-day service to the Navy Yard. Other alternate routes for the 17 are the 4, 7, 63 and 68, as well as the B (Broad Street Line) local.
Route 25 is getting increased trips and being shortened to run between Frankford Transportation Center and the Spring Garden station on the B. The bus route is also being adjusted to run on Aramingo, York and Frankford avenues. Service to Pier 70 and Columbus Commons is now available on the new Route 76, and Route 5 is another alternative.
Route 32 is going to have reduced service throughout the week.
Route 39 will have reduced bus service on weekdays, but Saturday service will be increased between 5 and 9 p.m.
Route 44 will have reduced service throughout the week and will no longer serve Gladwyne, while the Narberth service will only operate during weekday and morning rush. Alternative routes are the Cynwyd and Paoli/Thorndale Regional Rail Lines
Route 49 will no longer serve South Philly. The bus will operate along 33rd Street in North Philly. SEPTA recommends Routes 7, 48 and 79 as alternatives.
Route 52 will no longer serve Gladwyne.
Route 53 is being extended at both ends to reach Carpenter Regional Rail Station and Richmond-Westmoreland Loop using Aramingo Avenue. The route will no longer serve the Hunting Park station on the B.
Route 57 will no longer serve Marine Terminal and is being adjusted to run most trips to Fern Rock Transit Center, using Front Street and Godfrey Avenue. It will also provide hourly service in Crescentville, Cheltenham and Second Streets. SEPTA advises using Route 72 or Bus K if an alternate route is required.
Route 60 is being extended to include Wissahickon Transit Center, every other trip. The number of trips will also be increased throughout the week. It will no longer serve Delaware Avenue and Lewis Street though.
Route 61 is being extended up to Ridge and Summit avenues.
Route 64 will no longer run on Reed and Wharton streets, operating on Grays Ferry Avenue. The number of trips will increase all through the week.
Route 73 no longer has the overnight Owl Service. SEPTA recommends Route 25 for that instead.
Route 79 is being extended to include the 40th Street station on the L in University City, every other trip.
Route 105 has been extended to Paoli Hospital for some trips and rerouted in Overbrook along City and Haverford avenues. The number of trips during the week will also increase.
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