END OF THE EXPERIMENT? The apparent use of ElDorados on two Callowhill routes - the 30 and 63 - appears to have ended, as the 6 ElDos assigned to Callowhill - 4575-4580 - were recently re-assigned to Frontier. The ElDorados rarely saw service on the 30, as most runs were covered by a New Flyer low floor. As for the 63, I haven't had a chance to head down to that part of South Philadelphia, but I would imagine that ridership on the 63 may have outgrown the 30 foot buses.

NEW BRIDGE BUILT Contractors are in the process of replacing the Pennsylvania Av bridge in North Wales, which carries Pennsylvania Av over the R5 Lansdale line. The Lansdale Reporter notes that work on the span will resume in March.

ROUTE 35 CHANGES After many complaints from residents in Manayunk, SEPTA has finally agreed to re-route the 35 over portions of the former loop routing which was in place prior to the September schedule change. This change will only affect eastbound buses traveling to Wissahickon Transfer Center. From Leverington Av and Silverwood St, the 35 will operate via Leverington to lower Silverwood, then via lower Silverwood and Green Ln to Main St en route to Wissahickon. This was proposed during the Annual Service Plan hearings over the summer. Doesn't it seem odd that when people in Manayunk complain about the 35, SEPTA reacts fairly quickly, but when people in other suburbs complain about poor service, SEPTA blows them off? (Not that I don't think the new 35 routing shouldn't take effect, because is should. But, it took two years for SEPTA to cross-route all 92 and 133 buses, even when the 95 and 97 were being cross-routed at Penn Square.)