Philadelphia’s Thoughts on the Septa Bus Revolution
By: Ty Thornton
Thornton
As I waited for the number sixteen bus early in on a Wednesday afternoon for over thirty minutes, I couldn’t help but think to myself, how something like this could happen. The number sixteen bus, that rides north and south down Broad Street, should never take more than thirty minutes to arrive at a certain destination, according to their online schedule. Therefore, I decided it might be interesting if I rode a multitude of Septa buses and trains and talk to avid riders on their experiences with Septa. In my overall experiences with the public transportation system in Philadelphia, there have been many problems that I have run into. Even while I was riding on the Market-Frankford Line during my journey through Septa, the train system was announcing eastbound stops while we were traveling westbound, creating in a stir for all of the passengers. However, that is beside the point.
The number 16 bus arriving to its stop at Broad St. and Norris St. in the afternoon of April 19, 2023.
A bus riding by Philadelphia’s City Hall in the afternoon of April 19, 2023. Taken outside of the 63rd street stop of the Market-Frakford Line, the screen is displaying the incorrect 15th street stop.
The current Septa train and bus system as seen at 69th street station in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania.
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I had heard about a change to the Septa bus scheduling and routes called the Septa Bus Revolution, but I didn’t know too much about it. Septa has constantly changed up times and scheduling for years, so I did not think too much about it. However, the Septa Bus Revolution is a complete overhaul of the entire system. The revolution, designed by an organization called Septa Forward, is focused on delivering an easier to use, more convenient and more reliable bus network informed by its riders, according to their website. It sounds like a great idea, especially considering the amount of issues that the current system holds. Despite my enthusiasm for the changes, I still figured I would speak to some of the everyday passengers while I was on the bus.
When I finally boarded the sixteen bus, I sat across the aisle from a woman. I asked her what her feelings were on the current system and if she had heard about the Revolution. Sharlene Jones has been riding the bus for many years, mainly the sixteen. “Well, I guess the current system has its flaws, but it has for the most part been reliable in my daily commute,” she said on the current system. Then I asked about the Septa Bus Revolution. She seemed to feel a level of disgust over the system, and I was wondering confused why. She said, “The local community has gotten very comfortable with the current system and it’s not fair that we should have to learn a different one.” I was shocked to hear the answer but completely understood.
Sharlene Jones, an avid Septa Passenger, sitting on the number 16 bus on her way into the city.
Shawnson Wister, another frequent Septa, on the same bus, heading to his home in South Philadelphia.
The Septa Bus Revolution was supposed to be in full effect come the fall of 2023, however backlash from the community has delayed it until 2024. In Septa Forward’s community outreach effort, many community members voiced their displeasure toward the changes, citing that it will effect Black and Brown transit riders’ ability to get to and from work. This was completely understandable.
A Septa worker after his shift, waiting on the Market-Frankford Line platform, on April 23, 2023.
As I was about to hop on the Market-Frankford line, I saw a Septa Employee. I went up to him as he was also waiting on the train platform to ask him his thoughts. He was hesitant to speak to me and refrained from giving me his name or taking a picture of his face. Despite this, he said that “the Revolution could be a good idea as long as they take the time to make sure it works for all people.” Septa Forward seems to be doing so as they continue to have their community outreach meetings and their current system is available to comment on up until the end of May of 2023.
Multiple buses awaiting to go on their routes at the 69th street station in Upper Darby, Pa. on April 19, 2023.
Overall, I spent a total of four hours riding many different bus and train routes. I enjoyed my time and found it to be a very beneficial experience. Riding public transportation allowed me to feel connected to the city and its many different personalities. I loved to hear their inputs on the current and possible future public transportation model. I now have a new outlook on public transportation because after all, public transportation is the heartbeat of the city.
