SEPTA in Center City

Philadelphia Transit on the Roll, July 2013

On the sidewalk, SEPTA's initials are set in cement. Lumix LX3 photo. — On the sidewalk, SEPTA’s initials are set in cement. Lumix LX3 photo.

Philadelphia area transit is provided by SEPTA. The city’s eclectic collection of routes and modes has its origins in the 19^th Century. In Philadelphia’s heyday, a myriad of railways laced the city and pulsed with passengers. One hundred years ago, 500 million fares were collected annually on Philly’s streetcars alone.

SEPTA subway. — Market-Frankfort subway at 30th Street, Philadelphia. July 2013. Lumix LX3 photo.

Pennsylvania Railroad and Reading Company vied for suburban fares, and both railroads electrified key routes in the early decades of the 20th century. This foresight continues to benefit Philadelphia to the present.

Sadly, while Philadelphia once enjoyed one of the most extensive streetcar networks in the world, much of this was gradually dismantled during the second half of the 20^th century. Yet, a few key streetcar routes survive. Here and there tracks tell of past glory.

I visited my brother Sean in Philadelphia in early July, giving me ample opportunity to experience SEPTA and its buses, streetcars, subways, and railroad operations.

Center City is what Philadelphians call ‘down town’. While SEPTA’s operations reach myriad points across the region, Center City is the focus of most public transport.

Here are a collection of views of Philadelphia and its public transport.