ROUTES VANISH Several smaller shuttle routes not directly operated by SEPTA have disappeared in recent weeks, with the most notable being the Summer Phlash. Various reasons, including a lack of funds and low ridership contributed to their demises. Among the victims:

The Phoenixville Phlyer, a shuttle service operated by the TMA of Chester County, which ceased operations on Friday.

The Summer Phlash, which was formally discontinued following service on Monday. The Phlash had operated on a limited routing within Center City, and was managed by the City of Philadelphia, yet operated by SEPTA.

Earlier in the summer, the Pennridge/Quakertown Rush bus operated by the Bucks County TMA was disconinued. The Pennridge/Quakertown Rush bus had been two separate lines before they were merged earlier in the summer.

The SCCOOT bus also underwent a major schedule and routing overhaul recently. The SCCOOT, which had operated between West Chester and Oxford via Chadds Ford now operates limited service to West Chester, mainly during peak hours, with West Chester service now operating via Pocopson Twp/PA 52. Most trips now terminate at Kennett Square. The base fare also increased to $2.00, yet SEPTA TransPasses and TrailPasses are still not accepted on this line.

IN BURLINGTON COUNTY, HOWEVER... The Board of Chosen Freeholders there have announced that the BurLink shuttle system, which connects parts of west central Burlington County with major NJ Transit lines in the Pemberton, Mt Holly, and Willingboro areas, will be expanded once the Trenton-Camden line officially starts service. Two peak hour routes would be added in January 2004. One line would connect the Florence LRT station with the Haines Industrial Park and Burlington Coat Factory off of US 130; during off-peak hours, that particular bus would link the Riverside LRT station with the new Hartford Crossing Shopping Center on US 130 in Delran Twp. The second line would operate between the Burlington City LRT station to a park-and-ride lot off CR 541 in Burlington Twp; during off peak hours, the shuttle would operate between Willingboro Town Center on US 130 to the Burlington Center Mall and other major shopping centers in Burlington Twp. NJ Transit will provide at least two 20-passenger cutaway buses for the expanded service, similar to what NJT has done in several municipalities in North Jersey.