Schedules will change on all City Division routes and on Red Arrow route 108 on Sunday. As part of the schedule change, trolleys will return to the full 36 route after a 3 month rail rehab project. The changes in Andorra approved as part of the Annual Service Plan will also take effect on Sunday (on a side note, the 35 timetable is no longer a simple schedule card, but a regular timetable like nearly all other SEPTA bus routes). Additionally, more routes have been added to the wheelchair accessible route network, and all routes will be wheelchair accessible on weekends and holidays. More details will be posted within the next few days.
As of yesterday, new CTD timetables were available at 1234 Market for all routes, except for the 58, 108, and L. As Suburban Station, the June timetables for the Red Arrow routes were still in the schedule racks, despite the fact that the new schedules have been in effect for the past two weeks. Timetables for several Northeast Philadelphia routes are also available at Frankford Terminal's Frankford Av/Bridge St headhouse near the El entrance and info booth.
SEPTA is starting to add the CARD system radio control panels on buses operating out of Frontier, Comly, and Frankford. Within the next few weeks, Red Arrow should have their new radios installed. Isn't it odd that in most cases, the suburban depots are at the end of the line when it comes to equipment upgrades?
A public meeting to discuss the proposed P&W extension to King of Prussia and Port Kennedy is scheduled for September 19 at 7:00pm. The hearing will take place at the Holiday Inn/King of Prussia, Wanamaker Room A, located at 260 Mall Blvd in Upper Merion, across the street from the mall.
A public hearing to make the Route 94 Express routing changes to serve the Abramson Center for Jewish Life (formerly known as the Philadelphia Geriatric Center) will take place at the Abramson Center, located at 1425 Horsham Rd, Montgomery Twp. The October 2 hearing will begin at 10:00am, mainly to accomodate the employees of the Abramson Center, since the last AM bus from Chestnut Hill arrives there at 8:36am, with the last bus from Montgomery Mall arriving at 9:25am.
West Chester University isn't the only major university to see improved transit access this fall. Starting on Saturday, NJ Transit's 412 bus will be re-routed to serve Rowan University in Glassboro.
Wednesday, August 28, 2002
Saturday, August 24, 2002
ARCHIVES - 08/24/02
Late night service on the 104 was impacted following a serious assault in West Chester on Thursday night. The 11:00pm to 69 St Terminal was held by West Chester Police at Market & Worthington Sts after a black male passenger literally threw a hispanic male passenger off 5307 (4232 block) at around 11:10pm. The two passengers boarded the bus a few blocks earlier at Market & Matlack. The victim was transported to Chester County Hospital; the suspect was arrested about two blocks away after attempting to flee the scene.
Wednesday, August 21, 2002
ARCHIVES - 08/21/02
Just another fun day on West Chester Pike yesterday, as traffic was detoured in Havertown due to an accident east of the former Mercy Haverford Hospital. The incident occured at around 6:45pm yesterday. At least one bus was unable to complete it's run, while others were stuck in traffic for about 1 mile, stretching back to the Blue Route interchange.
And then, there was yesterday's incident on the 2:45pm 104 to 69 St Terminal (Bus 3235/4244 block). For the second straight day, according to a couple of passengers, that particular trip was overcrowded to the point of hazardous, as passengers were standing in the front doorway, while other standees refused to move to the back of the bus. The incident reached a head when the bus operated through Havertown as an arguement and near brawl broke out. Four SEPTA police officers were at the platform when 3235 arrived and fortunately, cooler heads prevailed, with no arrests coming out of it.
Adding to the confusion on the 104, is that the 6:35pm trip to West Chester that was listed as an express is actually a local trip, thanks to a "mistake" by scheduling. Hmmm, the run sheets printed out before the schedule change say express, the timetable says express, but the 6:35pm is a local? Just another day in the life of the geniuses at 1234 Market.
And then, there was yesterday's incident on the 2:45pm 104 to 69 St Terminal (Bus 3235/4244 block). For the second straight day, according to a couple of passengers, that particular trip was overcrowded to the point of hazardous, as passengers were standing in the front doorway, while other standees refused to move to the back of the bus. The incident reached a head when the bus operated through Havertown as an arguement and near brawl broke out. Four SEPTA police officers were at the platform when 3235 arrived and fortunately, cooler heads prevailed, with no arrests coming out of it.
Adding to the confusion on the 104, is that the 6:35pm trip to West Chester that was listed as an express is actually a local trip, thanks to a "mistake" by scheduling. Hmmm, the run sheets printed out before the schedule change say express, the timetable says express, but the 6:35pm is a local? Just another day in the life of the geniuses at 1234 Market.
Monday, August 19, 2002
ARCHIVES - 08/19/02
As a follow up to the controversy over the 115 extension through Norwood, SEPTA held a public meeting on August 7, bringing an ElDorado to the meeting for display purposes, mainly to alleviate concerns from residents about what kind of bus would be used on the line. During the meeting, some angry residents went so far as to threaten to throw rocks at the buses as they passed by on Winona Av. According to some sources, the Norwood Borough officials at the meeting didn't seem to discourage that idea. When the meeting ended, the tires on the bus were slashed. The suspects were not caught, and apparently, Norwood Police couldn't be bothered to investigate. Additionally, residents have posted home-made signs along some streets in Norwood which could pass as official government issued signs. (I have yet to see said signs, but that wouldn't really surprise me.)
An added thumbs down goes to Pa. State Rep. Ron C. Raymond (R-162) for backing the residents of Norwood in the fight against extending the 115. While foolishly backing the borough's actions, Raymond may have suffered a bit of a brain lock. His actions basically was a slap in the face to his other constituents in the 162 District, including those living in Darby Borough, Collingdale, Sharon Hill, and Folcroft - all of which are in the 162 District (as is Glenolden, where MacDade Mall is located, though I'm not sure if that part of Glenolden is in the 162 or 163 House District).
If anybody wants to protest Rep. Raymond's short-sighted actions against the Route 115 extension, you can send snail mail to:
District Office:
The Hon. Ron C. Raymond
1337 Chester Pike
Sharon Hill, PA 19079
Capitol Address:
The Hon. Ron C. Raymond
Room 209
Ryan Office Bldg
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2020
You can also call Rep. Raymond's office in Sharon Hill (610-534-1002) or Harrisburg (717-787-3742).
On a more service related note, subway-surface cars were diverted during the mid-day due to overhead problems. In an unusual tactic, the 10, 11, and shortened 36 were diverted to the 40 St El station as per normal diversion, however, the 13 and 34 operated to the 40 St Portal, where passengers were forced to board buses between 40 St Portal and 40 St El Station. Reportedly, there are some power issues (electrical, not political - we hope) that prevented all five lines from operating over the diversion route. Either that, or Rep. Raymond got involved...
Meanwhile, the new Red Arrow changes went into effect today. There were few problems observed, except for the 111 operator en route to Chadds Ford on the 4:00pm departure from 69 St (4453 block, though I don't recall of the very top of my head) who bypassed Penn State completely after leaving Riddle Hospital, and had to backtrack to Penn State after serving Franklin Mint first. The end result was a 20 minute delay arriving into Chadds Ford, resulting in a barely made connection with the last 314 bus back to West Chester.
Between the X-Games at the First Union Complex and the Phillies game at Veterans Stadium on Sunday, approximately 100,000 people were around the Sports Complex in South Philadelphia. Shuttle buses between the Navy Yard and First Union Complex (buses were signed "FIRST UNION SPECTRUM") were mainly Neo artics (half from Midvale with 312x blocks, half from Allegheny with 525x blocks, and Southern 5494 tossed in for good measure). Passengers boarded and alighted from the inner lanes on Broad St at Pattison. From brief observation after the Phillies game (okay, after the 6th inning), the artics were running about every 5 minutes, with standing loads in both directions.
On the Broad Street Line side, service wasn't quite as good. At around 4:45pm, when the ball game ended, there was about a 10-15 minute wait for trains to even arrive at Pattison Station. The platform was crowded and continued to fill until the next Fern Rock local arrived at 5:02pm. One would think that SEPTA could run 6 car trains on the Broad St Line or schedule trains every 6-8 minutes instead of tossing a couple of extra trains here and there over a 10 minute headway, but SEPTA doesn't seem to have that much foresight. (Yet another arguement for express buses from outlying areas to the sports complex, a la Baltimore.)
An added thumbs down goes to Pa. State Rep. Ron C. Raymond (R-162) for backing the residents of Norwood in the fight against extending the 115. While foolishly backing the borough's actions, Raymond may have suffered a bit of a brain lock. His actions basically was a slap in the face to his other constituents in the 162 District, including those living in Darby Borough, Collingdale, Sharon Hill, and Folcroft - all of which are in the 162 District (as is Glenolden, where MacDade Mall is located, though I'm not sure if that part of Glenolden is in the 162 or 163 House District).
If anybody wants to protest Rep. Raymond's short-sighted actions against the Route 115 extension, you can send snail mail to:
District Office:
The Hon. Ron C. Raymond
1337 Chester Pike
Sharon Hill, PA 19079
Capitol Address:
The Hon. Ron C. Raymond
Room 209
Ryan Office Bldg
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2020
You can also call Rep. Raymond's office in Sharon Hill (610-534-1002) or Harrisburg (717-787-3742).
On a more service related note, subway-surface cars were diverted during the mid-day due to overhead problems. In an unusual tactic, the 10, 11, and shortened 36 were diverted to the 40 St El station as per normal diversion, however, the 13 and 34 operated to the 40 St Portal, where passengers were forced to board buses between 40 St Portal and 40 St El Station. Reportedly, there are some power issues (electrical, not political - we hope) that prevented all five lines from operating over the diversion route. Either that, or Rep. Raymond got involved...
Meanwhile, the new Red Arrow changes went into effect today. There were few problems observed, except for the 111 operator en route to Chadds Ford on the 4:00pm departure from 69 St (4453 block, though I don't recall of the very top of my head) who bypassed Penn State completely after leaving Riddle Hospital, and had to backtrack to Penn State after serving Franklin Mint first. The end result was a 20 minute delay arriving into Chadds Ford, resulting in a barely made connection with the last 314 bus back to West Chester.
Between the X-Games at the First Union Complex and the Phillies game at Veterans Stadium on Sunday, approximately 100,000 people were around the Sports Complex in South Philadelphia. Shuttle buses between the Navy Yard and First Union Complex (buses were signed "FIRST UNION SPECTRUM") were mainly Neo artics (half from Midvale with 312x blocks, half from Allegheny with 525x blocks, and Southern 5494 tossed in for good measure). Passengers boarded and alighted from the inner lanes on Broad St at Pattison. From brief observation after the Phillies game (okay, after the 6th inning), the artics were running about every 5 minutes, with standing loads in both directions.
On the Broad Street Line side, service wasn't quite as good. At around 4:45pm, when the ball game ended, there was about a 10-15 minute wait for trains to even arrive at Pattison Station. The platform was crowded and continued to fill until the next Fern Rock local arrived at 5:02pm. One would think that SEPTA could run 6 car trains on the Broad St Line or schedule trains every 6-8 minutes instead of tossing a couple of extra trains here and there over a 10 minute headway, but SEPTA doesn't seem to have that much foresight. (Yet another arguement for express buses from outlying areas to the sports complex, a la Baltimore.)
Thursday, August 15, 2002
ARCHIVES - 08/15/02
Market-Frankford El service was disrupted between 52 St and Spring Garden after an unknown substance forced work crews to clean up the westbound tracks, casuing massive delays during the AM peak period. Service was restored at around 10:00am.
The proposed extension of the 115 from Delmar Village to MacDade Mall via Norwood is on hold for at least 3 months due to opposition from residents in Norwood. The complaints stem from SEPTA's failure to notify Norwood Borough officials about the extended 115 routing along Winona Av. Service was to have begun on Monday, with weekday and Saturday service operating to MacDade Mall. New timetables will be issued soon. Service between Ardmore and Brookline will still be eliminated, however.
Several SEPTA employees were distributing new timetables and brochures featuring the new changes on the 103, 104, 110, 111, and new route 122 today. New timetables are slowly being distributed at 1234 Market, Chester TC, and 69 St Terminal. This is highly unusual, since SEPTA was notorious for not releasing the timetables until a day or two before schedules change.
The proposed extension of the 115 from Delmar Village to MacDade Mall via Norwood is on hold for at least 3 months due to opposition from residents in Norwood. The complaints stem from SEPTA's failure to notify Norwood Borough officials about the extended 115 routing along Winona Av. Service was to have begun on Monday, with weekday and Saturday service operating to MacDade Mall. New timetables will be issued soon. Service between Ardmore and Brookline will still be eliminated, however.
Several SEPTA employees were distributing new timetables and brochures featuring the new changes on the 103, 104, 110, 111, and new route 122 today. New timetables are slowly being distributed at 1234 Market, Chester TC, and 69 St Terminal. This is highly unusual, since SEPTA was notorious for not releasing the timetables until a day or two before schedules change.
Tuesday, August 13, 2002
ARCHIVES - 08/13/02
The 33 and 61 buses were detoured off of Ridge Av between Cecil B Moore and Oxford for most of the day due to a TV crew filming in the area.
The 92, 104, 119, and 314 buses encountered lengthy detours and delays after a bomb threat at the First Union bank on S High St in West Chester. As a result of the threat, High St between Market and Chestnut and Gay St between Matlack and Church were closed.
Speed restrictions imposed by CSX will be in effect on the R3 West Trenton line north of Neshaminy Falls due to the excessive heat conditions. The R3 operates over CSX trackage north of Neshaminy Falls to West Trenton. Expect trains on this segment of the West Trenton line to run about 10-15 minutes late.
A downed wire just before Elm St station is forcing shuttle bus operation between Norristown Transportation Center, Main St, and Elm St stations.
The 92, 104, 119, and 314 buses encountered lengthy detours and delays after a bomb threat at the First Union bank on S High St in West Chester. As a result of the threat, High St between Market and Chestnut and Gay St between Matlack and Church were closed.
Speed restrictions imposed by CSX will be in effect on the R3 West Trenton line north of Neshaminy Falls due to the excessive heat conditions. The R3 operates over CSX trackage north of Neshaminy Falls to West Trenton. Expect trains on this segment of the West Trenton line to run about 10-15 minutes late.
A downed wire just before Elm St station is forcing shuttle bus operation between Norristown Transportation Center, Main St, and Elm St stations.
Monday, August 05, 2002
ARCHIVES - 08/05/02
The TMA of Chester County re-routed it's Phoenixville Phlyer bus service last week. The Phlyer will now operate between the new Main Street at Exton complex and Phoenixville via Lionville and Chester Springs, rather than the old routing via Great Valley.
In concert with the Phlyer route changes, the weekday schedule has also been adjusted. There are now 7 trips from Phoenixville to Exton (3 AM peak, 2 mid-day, and 2 evening trips) and 6 trips from Exton to Phoenixville (1 late morning, 1 mid-day, 2 PM peak, and 2 evening trips).
SEPTA service has been adversely impacted due to the recent heat wave. The bulk of the delays have occured on the Regional Rail system, with speed restrictions often in place due to the heat. With temperatures falling tonight, service should improve.
In concert with the Phlyer route changes, the weekday schedule has also been adjusted. There are now 7 trips from Phoenixville to Exton (3 AM peak, 2 mid-day, and 2 evening trips) and 6 trips from Exton to Phoenixville (1 late morning, 1 mid-day, 2 PM peak, and 2 evening trips).
SEPTA service has been adversely impacted due to the recent heat wave. The bulk of the delays have occured on the Regional Rail system, with speed restrictions often in place due to the heat. With temperatures falling tonight, service should improve.
Thursday, July 25, 2002
ARCHIVES - 07/25/02
New CARD system radio consoles are now appearing on buses operating out of Southern. As for the older buses in the fleet (40-ft Neos and NABIs), there are no plans to replace the 3-digit block signs with a four digit display or to add a static number in front of the block sign. Once the CARD system is installed on all SEPTA buses, only the New Flyers, Neo artics, and ElDorados will have block displays showing all four digits.
Monday, July 15, 2002
ARCHIVES - 07/15/02
A Pottstown Urban Transit bus was involved in a serious accident in North Coventry Twp on Wednesday night. Nova RTS #57 was operating the North Coventry line when it struck a minivan on Laurelwood Rd at Fisher Av near the Coventry Mall. The minivan had turned off of Fisher onto Laurelwood and right into the path of the PUT bus. The PUT bus then veered to the left, causing damage to three front lawns before coming to a stop on Laurelwood. The driver of the minivan was taken to a local hospital with head and neck injuries; the PUT driver and at least 3 passengers were taken to Pottstown Memorial Medical Center for minor injuries.
The new CARD system radio consoles are starting to be added to Allegheny's buses in addition to the many buses at Midvale which have been retrofit. There is a report that some buses at Callowhill are also getting the new radio system as well, but I have yet to see a Callowhill Neo or NABI with the new console.
The new CARD system radio consoles are starting to be added to Allegheny's buses in addition to the many buses at Midvale which have been retrofit. There is a report that some buses at Callowhill are also getting the new radio system as well, but I have yet to see a Callowhill Neo or NABI with the new console.
Wednesday, July 10, 2002
ARCHIVES - 07/10/02
SEPTA has issued a request for proposal for the purchase of up to 360 diesel powered low floor buses for delivery between 2004 and 2006. This order would effectively retire the Neoplan fleet by the end of 2006. SEPTA will accept bids until September 10, then likely award the bid at either the October Board meeting.
The two test DE40LF coaches that SEPTA is slated to receive in a few months are tentatively numbered 5601H and 5602H. I doubt that they will retain those numbers once the rest of the 100 D40LF coaches arrive next year.
More buses at Midvale - particularly the NABIs - are being retrofit with the newer sign control panels. According to one Midvale operator, the control panels being installed on the NABIs is more advanced than the ones on the Neoplan artic, ElDorado, and New Flyer fleets. The new panels are being installed as part of the communications system upgrade to the new Computer Aided Radio Dispatch (CARD) system that SEPTA has needed since the end of the first Bush administration.
The new system is part of the reason that SEPTA is going to a four-digit block system which began in February at most depots and in April at Frontier. The block number system, once it's in full effect, will display a four-digit block on all artics, ElDorados, and New Flyers; most of the artics and ElDorados at Midvale are starting to display a four digit block. The first digit represents the depot the bus is assigned to: 1xxx = Comly; 2xxx = Frankford; 3xxx = Midvale; 4xxx = Red Arrow; 5xxx = Allegheny; 6xxx = Frontier; 7xxx = Southern; 8xxx = Elmwood; 9xxx = Callowhill.
DART First State has successfully added a similar system on all of their buses within the past year, including the soon to be retired Flxibles. Ironically enough, some of the older DART radios have been installed on some of the Fords operating out of Frontier.
Speaking of DART, it appears that the new NABI standard floor and high floor buses have started to arrive in Wilmington. The high floors will be numbered 501-519 and are model 416.13; the low floors will be numbered 520-563. This means that the days of Flxibles ruling the road in New Castle County are numbered. DART has issued a press release about the new buses, but oddly enough, unlike a couple of years ago when they posted a picture of a Gillig low floor, there are no pictures of the new NABIs.
The two test DE40LF coaches that SEPTA is slated to receive in a few months are tentatively numbered 5601H and 5602H. I doubt that they will retain those numbers once the rest of the 100 D40LF coaches arrive next year.
More buses at Midvale - particularly the NABIs - are being retrofit with the newer sign control panels. According to one Midvale operator, the control panels being installed on the NABIs is more advanced than the ones on the Neoplan artic, ElDorado, and New Flyer fleets. The new panels are being installed as part of the communications system upgrade to the new Computer Aided Radio Dispatch (CARD) system that SEPTA has needed since the end of the first Bush administration.
The new system is part of the reason that SEPTA is going to a four-digit block system which began in February at most depots and in April at Frontier. The block number system, once it's in full effect, will display a four-digit block on all artics, ElDorados, and New Flyers; most of the artics and ElDorados at Midvale are starting to display a four digit block. The first digit represents the depot the bus is assigned to: 1xxx = Comly; 2xxx = Frankford; 3xxx = Midvale; 4xxx = Red Arrow; 5xxx = Allegheny; 6xxx = Frontier; 7xxx = Southern; 8xxx = Elmwood; 9xxx = Callowhill.
DART First State has successfully added a similar system on all of their buses within the past year, including the soon to be retired Flxibles. Ironically enough, some of the older DART radios have been installed on some of the Fords operating out of Frontier.
Speaking of DART, it appears that the new NABI standard floor and high floor buses have started to arrive in Wilmington. The high floors will be numbered 501-519 and are model 416.13; the low floors will be numbered 520-563. This means that the days of Flxibles ruling the road in New Castle County are numbered. DART has issued a press release about the new buses, but oddly enough, unlike a couple of years ago when they posted a picture of a Gillig low floor, there are no pictures of the new NABIs.
Tuesday, July 09, 2002
ARCHIVES - 07/09/02
Allegheny 7120, operating on the 65 (5207 block) was rearended by a Ford Probe on 66 St near Lansdowne Av at around 1:15pm this afternoon. The remainder of the run was obviously cancelled. The following 65 bus, 5273 (9606 block) was filled to capacity, and also carried a wheelchair rider, making for a very crowded trip. 7120 returned to Allegheny on its own power.
A disabled westbound El train near 40 St station caused delays during the PM peak hour tonight. Some trains were delayed up to 15 minutes due to the incident, which occured at around 5:00pm.
The Neoplan demonstrator is now tentatively due to arrive on SEPTA property on Thursday, and will be put into service as early as Monday.
A disabled westbound El train near 40 St station caused delays during the PM peak hour tonight. Some trains were delayed up to 15 minutes due to the incident, which occured at around 5:00pm.
The Neoplan demonstrator is now tentatively due to arrive on SEPTA property on Thursday, and will be put into service as early as Monday.
Friday, July 05, 2002
ARCHIVES - 07/05/02
During yesterday's Welcome America festivities and price gouging festival ($2.00 for a 16 ounce soda?) along the Ben Franklin Parkway, 33 SEPTA buses, a mix of NABIs, New Flyers, Neo artics, and Neo 3264 were staged along 21 and 22 Sts on either side of the Parkway. The buses initially were staged along Spring Garden between the El Station and 5 St. Buses involved were Allegheny 7103, 7105, 7110, 7112 and 7147; Callowhill 5005, 5427, 5429, 5446, 5449, 5450, 5463 and 5465; Frankford 5249, 5344, 5355, 5360 and 5361; Midvale 3264, 5156, 5157, 5164, 5172, 5183, 5212, 5222, 5229 and 5239; and Southern 5471, 5474, 5480, 5486 and 5491.
As the buses were staging at Spring Garden, several passengers waited at the Spring Garden El station for the 4:43pm 25 to Frankford to show up - it never did. Supervisors on site were far too busy preparing the buses which would later transport tourists out of the Parkway area after the fireworks to follow up on a missing 25 bus, which I'm sure is going to play very nicely along Aramingo Av. The 5:13pm 25 to Frankford did show up, however I'm sure that driver got an earful from passengers forced to wait in the opressive heat (though there was plenty of shade with the large El/I-95 overpass) at Spring Garden.
Incidentially, Broad St Subway, El and Subway-surface service ran on a regular Sunday schedule. If last year's fiascos at the 19 St, 22 St, and 30 St stations are any inidciation, then I would imagine that streetcars and El trains were ridiculously overcrowded. SEPTA needs to understand that extending service hours and adding extra service are two different things. There's no reason why El service couldn't operate every 5 minutes, nor any reason why 4 or 5 subway-surface cars couldn't operate between City Hall and 40 St Portal or 49 & Woodland.
Midvale 5193 - operating on the 47 (3306 block) was apparently retrofit with the newer sign control panels used on SEPTA's new buses starting with the Neoplan artics. The sign control panel on 5193 is in approximately the same position as they would be on the newer buses - over the operator's head and to the left. I would guess that the rest of the NABI fleet will follow suit.
The City of Philadelphia is testing a new Thomas/Dart SLF200 low floor bus on the Phlash Center City loop. The bus is CNG powered and has red and blue stripes instead of the purple livery on most Phlash vehicles. The destination sign is supposedly a TwinVision LED, however the word "Phlash" is labeled in the sign areas rather than using the signs themselves.
As the buses were staging at Spring Garden, several passengers waited at the Spring Garden El station for the 4:43pm 25 to Frankford to show up - it never did. Supervisors on site were far too busy preparing the buses which would later transport tourists out of the Parkway area after the fireworks to follow up on a missing 25 bus, which I'm sure is going to play very nicely along Aramingo Av. The 5:13pm 25 to Frankford did show up, however I'm sure that driver got an earful from passengers forced to wait in the opressive heat (though there was plenty of shade with the large El/I-95 overpass) at Spring Garden.
Incidentially, Broad St Subway, El and Subway-surface service ran on a regular Sunday schedule. If last year's fiascos at the 19 St, 22 St, and 30 St stations are any inidciation, then I would imagine that streetcars and El trains were ridiculously overcrowded. SEPTA needs to understand that extending service hours and adding extra service are two different things. There's no reason why El service couldn't operate every 5 minutes, nor any reason why 4 or 5 subway-surface cars couldn't operate between City Hall and 40 St Portal or 49 & Woodland.
Midvale 5193 - operating on the 47 (3306 block) was apparently retrofit with the newer sign control panels used on SEPTA's new buses starting with the Neoplan artics. The sign control panel on 5193 is in approximately the same position as they would be on the newer buses - over the operator's head and to the left. I would guess that the rest of the NABI fleet will follow suit.
The City of Philadelphia is testing a new Thomas/Dart SLF200 low floor bus on the Phlash Center City loop. The bus is CNG powered and has red and blue stripes instead of the purple livery on most Phlash vehicles. The destination sign is supposedly a TwinVision LED, however the word "Phlash" is labeled in the sign areas rather than using the signs themselves.
Wednesday, July 03, 2002
ARCHIVES - 07/03/02
Service on routes out of Allegheny Depot were substantially delayed due to an "illegal demonstration" by Roofers Union Local 30. NBC 10 reported that buses were being brought in from other depots to fill try and cover service. Routes 6, 9, 27, 33, 48, and 60 operated with substantial delays with substantial delays once service resumed; the 65 also operated with some delays, but the delays weren't as bad, thanks to the split operation with Callowhill.
The dispute is over the use on non-union contractors working at Allegheny. No arrests were made during the protest, which began at 5:00am and was curtailed at around 11:30am, following an injunction by a Philadelphia Common Pleas Court judge. Service on the Allegheny routes slowly returned to normal by around 3:00pm.
The blockade by the Roofers Union may also raise controversy regarding pay status of Allegheny employees. There are high ranking people within SEPTA who are convinced that since Allegheny employees did not cross the picket lines, that may result in the forfeiture of pay. On the other hand, even if the operators crossed the picket line, the blockade would've made it impossible for buses to leave the depot anyway. It's one of those Catch-22 situations. Yet, it couldn't have happened at a worse time, considering it's a holiday week and the heat was very oppressive.
Yet, this isn't the first time there's been controversy over roof repairs at Allegheny. According to one Allegheny operator, SEPTA used a non-union contractor to repair the roof at Allegheny about 5-6 years ago, causing a similar protest by Local 30. How interesting that the roof has been such a problem at Allegheny for so long, considering the depot was re-built in the mid to late 1980s.
Service on several routes in the suburbs - particularly in Delaware County - will be subject to detours and delays tomorrow. This is a listing of trouble spots in Delaware County that SEPTA never bothered to mention:
The dispute is over the use on non-union contractors working at Allegheny. No arrests were made during the protest, which began at 5:00am and was curtailed at around 11:30am, following an injunction by a Philadelphia Common Pleas Court judge. Service on the Allegheny routes slowly returned to normal by around 3:00pm.
The blockade by the Roofers Union may also raise controversy regarding pay status of Allegheny employees. There are high ranking people within SEPTA who are convinced that since Allegheny employees did not cross the picket lines, that may result in the forfeiture of pay. On the other hand, even if the operators crossed the picket line, the blockade would've made it impossible for buses to leave the depot anyway. It's one of those Catch-22 situations. Yet, it couldn't have happened at a worse time, considering it's a holiday week and the heat was very oppressive.
Yet, this isn't the first time there's been controversy over roof repairs at Allegheny. According to one Allegheny operator, SEPTA used a non-union contractor to repair the roof at Allegheny about 5-6 years ago, causing a similar protest by Local 30. How interesting that the roof has been such a problem at Allegheny for so long, considering the depot was re-built in the mid to late 1980s.
Service on several routes in the suburbs - particularly in Delaware County - will be subject to detours and delays tomorrow. This is a listing of trouble spots in Delaware County that SEPTA never bothered to mention:
- Routes 55 and 77 may be detoued in and around Jenkintown due to a parade
- Route 97 will be detoured off of Fayette St in Conshohocken due to the annual Soap Box Derby
- Route 101 may be subject to delays due to Springfield's parade, particluarly near the Leamy Av and Springfield Rd stations
- Route 102 may be subject to delays in Clifton Heights and Aldan due to a parade
- Route 104 service will be delayed about 20-30 minutes due to the Marple-Newtown parade between PA 252 and Malin Rd (Broomall Fire Company)
- Route 109 will be detoured in Clifton Heights along Baltimore Pike between Marple Av and Church Lane due to a parade
- Route 112 may be delayed along Darby Road due to the Llanerch 4th of July parade
- Route 113 service will be detoured off of MacDade Blvd in Collingdale between Clifton and Staley Avenues due to a parade; service will most likely operate via Chester Pike; the 113 may also be delayed in Glenolden near Ashland Av due to that borough's parade
- Buses operating through the west side of the City of Chester, including the Chester Transportation Center (37, 109, 113, 114, and 117) may be subject to delays near the Chester YMCA at 7 & Sproul due to the annual Chester Walk/Run
- Route L service along Germantown Pike between the Barren Hill Fire Company (Church Rd) and Miles Park (Joshua Rd) in Whitemarsh Twp, Montgomery County, will be affected due to a parade, service would probably be detoured via Ridge Pike
Yesterday, 3234 was spotted on S High St in West Chester, training operators for the new 104 extension to West Chester Univesity.
The Neoplan cruiser being leased from Pittsburgh is now tenatively slated to arrive on Thursday, July 11.
The Bucks County TMA is also participating in the Code Red Ozone Alert days, which will allow riders of the Doylestown DART and the Pennridge, Quakertown, and Warminster RUSH services to ride free when the Ozone Alert reaches "Code Red" stages.
DART First State will once again offer free rides until 12 noon on an Ozone Alert "Code Red" weekday.
Although it appears that the 5600s may be needed sooner rather than later, the official scheduled delivery date for the last of the original 300 low floor buses will not arrive until April.
On a side note, all 8600/8700/8800 Neoplans are now officially off the roster and will no longer see revenue service. These buses were removed from service at the end of June.This is contributing to what will hopefully be a temporary bus shortage at Callowhill, where some ElDorados onto the 52 during peak hours, as was the case on Monday with 4580. It's also not helping that some Callowhill buses are being used on the 36 shuttle between Woodland Shops and Penrose Plaza.
Monday, July 01, 2002
ARCHIVES - 07/01/02
El service was disrupted at around 4:55pm after a female passenger collapsed on board a westbound "A" train at 30 St station. Westbound service was held for about 15 minutes to allow Philadelphia Fire EMTs and SEPTA Police to arrive at the scene. And, in an act of sheer stupidity, one ignorant passenger had the audacity to complain about it. It's almost a miracle that idiot wasn't beaten to a bloody pulp by other passengers.
As a result of the El delays, the 5:33pm 104 to West Chester departed with a standing load, with a couple of unfortunate passengers forced to sit in the rear stairwell. And, yes, it ran local, arriving in West Chester about 5 minutes late.
Expect major delays on Thursday, July 4 on the 104 in Broomall and Newtown Square due to the annual Marple-Newtown 4th of July parade. The parade will occur in the westbound lanes, forcing eastbound and westbound traffic into the eastbound lanes. Delays of up to 20-30 minutes can be expected, mainly affecting trips to and from West Chester. (Of course, this is not noted at the SEPTA web site along with the long list of other systemwide detours and delays.
The Pennridge RUSH and Quakertown RUSH services began operation today. Both RUSH services will operate to the Lansdale Rail Station on the R5 Lansdale/Doylestown line during peak hours. SEPTA TransPasses and TrailPasses will be honored on these routes, as they are on the existing Warminster RUSH, with single fares costing $1.00 or 15 TMA tokens (not SEPTA tokens) for $10.00.
The TMA of Chester County will offer free rides on the SCCOOT service between West Chester, Chadds Ford and Oxford and on the PHLYER service between Exton Mall and Phoenixville during Code Red Ozone Alert days.
Due to a printing error, the Sunday 6:30am trip on Route 14 does not serve Langhorne, but terminates on Roosevelt Blvd the Bucks/Philadelphia County border.
The KYW 1060 Big Blue Bus (Southern 5383) will be in service tomorrow on Route 28. The schedule for the next four Tuesdays for 5385 are as follows: July 9: Routes 14/20; July 16: Route 58; July 23: Route 24; July 30: Route C.
As a result of the El delays, the 5:33pm 104 to West Chester departed with a standing load, with a couple of unfortunate passengers forced to sit in the rear stairwell. And, yes, it ran local, arriving in West Chester about 5 minutes late.
Expect major delays on Thursday, July 4 on the 104 in Broomall and Newtown Square due to the annual Marple-Newtown 4th of July parade. The parade will occur in the westbound lanes, forcing eastbound and westbound traffic into the eastbound lanes. Delays of up to 20-30 minutes can be expected, mainly affecting trips to and from West Chester. (Of course, this is not noted at the SEPTA web site along with the long list of other systemwide detours and delays.
The Pennridge RUSH and Quakertown RUSH services began operation today. Both RUSH services will operate to the Lansdale Rail Station on the R5 Lansdale/Doylestown line during peak hours. SEPTA TransPasses and TrailPasses will be honored on these routes, as they are on the existing Warminster RUSH, with single fares costing $1.00 or 15 TMA tokens (not SEPTA tokens) for $10.00.
The TMA of Chester County will offer free rides on the SCCOOT service between West Chester, Chadds Ford and Oxford and on the PHLYER service between Exton Mall and Phoenixville during Code Red Ozone Alert days.
Due to a printing error, the Sunday 6:30am trip on Route 14 does not serve Langhorne, but terminates on Roosevelt Blvd the Bucks/Philadelphia County border.
The KYW 1060 Big Blue Bus (Southern 5383) will be in service tomorrow on Route 28. The schedule for the next four Tuesdays for 5385 are as follows: July 9: Routes 14/20; July 16: Route 58; July 23: Route 24; July 30: Route C.
Thursday, June 27, 2002
ARCHIVES - 06/27/02
Now that Comly has all of their 5500s, Red Arrow is starting to get their next batch of 10 New Flyers. 5586 was spotted this afternoon on the 104 (4237 block).
Meanwhile, more Neo-junk from the city is starting to show up on Red Arrow and Frontier routes. 3046 was also spotted on West Chester Pike, while 3110 was in Center City running on the 124/125 (6189 block). Some ex-Comly units are also showing up at Midvale, particularly on the 56.
The MCI demo (6001) will be taken out of service at the end of this week. Starting on July 9, SEPTA will test a Neoplan AN-345/3 cruiser on loan from the Port Authority of Allegheny County. There is no guarantee that SEPTA will go with cruisers in the near future, but there is some hope.
Within the next few weeks, SEPTA is preparing to issue an RFP for an order of 300 buses, with an option for an additional 60, over the next three years. The buses will be 40 foot low floors and are slated for delivery starting in 2004. Between 2004 and 2006, SEPTA will recieve 100 buses, with an option for up to 20 per year, which, coupled with the arrival of the 5600 New Flyers starting next April, would have the entire Neoplan 40-ft fleet off the roster by the end of 2006.
The first of the New Flyer DE40LF hybrid buses are on the production line and will be rotated around the system starting in September. Upon completion, New Flyer will be testing the DE40LFs before delivering them to SEPTA.
The SEPTA Board approved the Annual Service Plan, which will alter several Red Arrow routes and City Routes 9, 35, and the 61 Express. With the new schedules this fall, an 10:45pm trip will be added on the 123 from King of Prussia to 69 St Terminal. Route 104 service to West Chester will be reduced to every hour before 2:00pm and after 5:00pm Saturdays and all day Sundays. Route 122 - which would replace most of current Route 111 - would serve Secane, Morton, and Springfield Mall during peak hours.
Meanwhile, more Neo-junk from the city is starting to show up on Red Arrow and Frontier routes. 3046 was also spotted on West Chester Pike, while 3110 was in Center City running on the 124/125 (6189 block). Some ex-Comly units are also showing up at Midvale, particularly on the 56.
The MCI demo (6001) will be taken out of service at the end of this week. Starting on July 9, SEPTA will test a Neoplan AN-345/3 cruiser on loan from the Port Authority of Allegheny County. There is no guarantee that SEPTA will go with cruisers in the near future, but there is some hope.
Within the next few weeks, SEPTA is preparing to issue an RFP for an order of 300 buses, with an option for an additional 60, over the next three years. The buses will be 40 foot low floors and are slated for delivery starting in 2004. Between 2004 and 2006, SEPTA will recieve 100 buses, with an option for up to 20 per year, which, coupled with the arrival of the 5600 New Flyers starting next April, would have the entire Neoplan 40-ft fleet off the roster by the end of 2006.
The first of the New Flyer DE40LF hybrid buses are on the production line and will be rotated around the system starting in September. Upon completion, New Flyer will be testing the DE40LFs before delivering them to SEPTA.
The SEPTA Board approved the Annual Service Plan, which will alter several Red Arrow routes and City Routes 9, 35, and the 61 Express. With the new schedules this fall, an 10:45pm trip will be added on the 123 from King of Prussia to 69 St Terminal. Route 104 service to West Chester will be reduced to every hour before 2:00pm and after 5:00pm Saturdays and all day Sundays. Route 122 - which would replace most of current Route 111 - would serve Secane, Morton, and Springfield Mall during peak hours.
Wednesday, June 26, 2002
ARCHIVES - 06/26/02
With the arrival of the 5500s at Comly, some Neo DKs are being exiled into the suburban garages. 3115 was seen on the 104 last night, while 3101 and 3102 were also spotted along West Chester Pike at various times during the day. Some ex-Comly units are also filtering onto Frontier routes. It's bad enough when SEPTA tries to deny a bus shortage in the suburbs, but when they alleviate the shortage by sending older junk from the city garages, that really doesn't help.
SEPTA will offer modified Saturday Regional Rail service on Friday, July 5 as part of the Welcome America invasion of tourists. There really isn't any extra service being offered on July 4th for the fireworks on The Parkway, however the Broad St and Market-Frankford lines will operate in the tunnels later than normal, which, given last year's dangerous overcrowding at several stations in Center City, could be around 2:00am. More comments on this issue later.
SEPTA will offer modified Saturday Regional Rail service on Friday, July 5 as part of the Welcome America invasion of tourists. There really isn't any extra service being offered on July 4th for the fireworks on The Parkway, however the Broad St and Market-Frankford lines will operate in the tunnels later than normal, which, given last year's dangerous overcrowding at several stations in Center City, could be around 2:00am. More comments on this issue later.
Sunday, June 23, 2002
ARCHIVES - 06/23/02
Rumors of Amtrak's possible demise are concerning Regional Rail riders on the former Penn Central side of the RRD system. Service on the R1 Airport, R2 Marcus Hook/Wilmington, R5 Paoli/Thorndale, R6 Cynwyd, R7 Trenton, and R8 Chestnut Hill West would be affected by an Amtrak shutdown, as those lines operate over Amtrak owned right of way. R3 Media/Elwyn service would not be affected as that line merges with the Airport and Marcus Hook lines on SEPTA ROW, rather than Amtrak, into University City, which is also on SEPTA ROW. SEPTA has not released it's contingency plan (assuming of course they have one) in case of a Penn Central side shutdown of the Regional Rail system.
Friday, June 21, 2002
ARCHIVES - 06/21/02
Two Comly New Flyers were involved in an accident on Roosevelt Blvd during the AM peak this morning. At around 7:00am, 5541, operating on the 1 to Red Lion & Academy, rear-ended 5564 - running on the 14 - on the northbound side of Roosevelt Blvd at Harbison. Based on some pictures and video, the front end of 5541 was damaged. I'd imagine that there's some damage to the rear of 5564, but I didn't see any footage of that bus.
NJ Transit bus schedules are changing starting tomorrow. There are a few minor changes on South Jersey routes, which will be posted shortly.
NJ Transit bus schedules are changing starting tomorrow. There are a few minor changes on South Jersey routes, which will be posted shortly.
Thursday, June 20, 2002
ARCHIVES - 06/20/02
Regional Rail service within Center City was disrupted today due to a bomb scare on 22 St. Shuttle buses were also placed into service yesterday within Center City, but no reasons were given as to what happened.
SEPTA made a few minor modifications to the Annual Service Plan, particularly on Routes 35, 103, 104, and 111. Route 35 will now have a bi-directional routing within Manayunk instead of it's current loop starting in September, which will operate via Main St, Leverington, Umbria, Fountain, Silverwood, Leverington, Manayunk Av, and Roxborough Av to Ridge Av. Route 103 will operate via Cricket Av, Athens Av, and Rittenhouse Pl to Lancaster Av in Lower Merion; Ardmore Av service has been eliminated. Route 104 service to West Chester may see some reduced service, but 30 minute mid-day and Saturday headways have been retained. Route 111 will be routed to serve office parks in Concordville, operating via Conchester Rd, Lacure Av, Concord Industrial Park, Aldan Av, Brinton Place Office Center, Evergreen Dr, the Shops at Brinton Lake, and Brinton Lake Rd. The final proposal will be voted upon by the SEPTA Board at next week's meeting.
SEPTA made a few minor modifications to the Annual Service Plan, particularly on Routes 35, 103, 104, and 111. Route 35 will now have a bi-directional routing within Manayunk instead of it's current loop starting in September, which will operate via Main St, Leverington, Umbria, Fountain, Silverwood, Leverington, Manayunk Av, and Roxborough Av to Ridge Av. Route 103 will operate via Cricket Av, Athens Av, and Rittenhouse Pl to Lancaster Av in Lower Merion; Ardmore Av service has been eliminated. Route 104 service to West Chester may see some reduced service, but 30 minute mid-day and Saturday headways have been retained. Route 111 will be routed to serve office parks in Concordville, operating via Conchester Rd, Lacure Av, Concord Industrial Park, Aldan Av, Brinton Place Office Center, Evergreen Dr, the Shops at Brinton Lake, and Brinton Lake Rd. The final proposal will be voted upon by the SEPTA Board at next week's meeting.
Tuesday, June 18, 2002
ARCHIVES - 06/18/02
P&W service was disrupted during the PM peak period due to the derailment of a work car near Matsonford station. As a result, P&W service was single tracking between Radnor and Hughes Park, completely disrupting the PM peak schedule. All express service was suspended with Norristown service making all stops. At around 5:00pm, service was alternating between Bryn Mawr and Norristown locals, however once the crowds started to dissipate, all service went Norristown local. The starter at the P&W platform kept making announcements about service delays during the entire incident.
The same could not be said for 104 service during that same period. The 5:33pm West Chester express didn't even show up, while the 5:47pm Newtown Square local departed 7 minutes late (using 3061) and the 5:52pm departed 3 minutes late (using 3154). West Chester commuters were further enraged when the 6:02pm departed 69 St at 6:10pm 8 minutes late, and with a nearly full load west of Newtown Square. Only one announcement was made rearding the 5:33pm trip, claiming only that it was delayed with no further explaination. If this is not further evidence that Chester County commuters are getting the short end of the stick from SEPTA, then tell me what is.
Then there's the case of 4412 block; the 5:45pm 109 to Chester was seen using 4549 - an ElDorado. Suffice to say that trip left with a dangerously full load. From what I hear, 4549 was the only bus available in the entire lot when the operator checked in. But, of course, there is no vehicle shortage, right?
The MCI demo that is on SEPTA property is apparently a newer demo, complete with LED sign and otherwise looks to be built to NJT specs, complete with LED tail lights, and is numbered 6001. Demo 6000, you may recall, was built to NYC Transit specs.
Once all 85 New Flyers arrive at Comly, some 3000s may be sent off to Midvale, so that the remaining 8600/8700 series Neos can be retired. Here's hoping that SEPTA will preserve at least one of the 8600s as a museum bus.
The big controversy over the weekend was SEPTA's unveiling of the new Silverliner V cars. The good news is that 2+2 seating will be offered; the bad news is that only 30% of the new cars will have 2+2 seating - located in the middle of the car - with the dreaded 3+2 seating at both ends of the car. Why is it that other railroads (Virginia Railway Express and most commuter rail systems in California come to mind) actually do something that is completely foreign to SEPTA's management, namely take customer input and add more amenities? Wait, I forgot, this is SEPTA. SEPTA's idea of amenities would be just getting the buses and trains running on time. Or even better - having enough buses to cover runs at Red Arrow. Wow, what a concept!
The same could not be said for 104 service during that same period. The 5:33pm West Chester express didn't even show up, while the 5:47pm Newtown Square local departed 7 minutes late (using 3061) and the 5:52pm departed 3 minutes late (using 3154). West Chester commuters were further enraged when the 6:02pm departed 69 St at 6:10pm 8 minutes late, and with a nearly full load west of Newtown Square. Only one announcement was made rearding the 5:33pm trip, claiming only that it was delayed with no further explaination. If this is not further evidence that Chester County commuters are getting the short end of the stick from SEPTA, then tell me what is.
Then there's the case of 4412 block; the 5:45pm 109 to Chester was seen using 4549 - an ElDorado. Suffice to say that trip left with a dangerously full load. From what I hear, 4549 was the only bus available in the entire lot when the operator checked in. But, of course, there is no vehicle shortage, right?
The MCI demo that is on SEPTA property is apparently a newer demo, complete with LED sign and otherwise looks to be built to NJT specs, complete with LED tail lights, and is numbered 6001. Demo 6000, you may recall, was built to NYC Transit specs.
Once all 85 New Flyers arrive at Comly, some 3000s may be sent off to Midvale, so that the remaining 8600/8700 series Neos can be retired. Here's hoping that SEPTA will preserve at least one of the 8600s as a museum bus.
The big controversy over the weekend was SEPTA's unveiling of the new Silverliner V cars. The good news is that 2+2 seating will be offered; the bad news is that only 30% of the new cars will have 2+2 seating - located in the middle of the car - with the dreaded 3+2 seating at both ends of the car. Why is it that other railroads (Virginia Railway Express and most commuter rail systems in California come to mind) actually do something that is completely foreign to SEPTA's management, namely take customer input and add more amenities? Wait, I forgot, this is SEPTA. SEPTA's idea of amenities would be just getting the buses and trains running on time. Or even better - having enough buses to cover runs at Red Arrow. Wow, what a concept!
Thursday, June 13, 2002
ARCHIVES - 06/13/02
More equipment problems on the 92 caused 6019 block to be annulled. Some passengers trying to get to West Chester were stranded for upwards of 3 hours as a result of the annulled block.
The complete listing of schedule changes are now listed on a separate page, since there were so many changes that took place, they couldn't all fit on this page.
The MCI demo is back at the Red Arrow shops. It's unclear when the bus will be back on the road, but expect to see it on the 104 (peak hour trips to West Chester), 123, 124, and 125.
The complete listing of schedule changes are now listed on a separate page, since there were so many changes that took place, they couldn't all fit on this page.
The MCI demo is back at the Red Arrow shops. It's unclear when the bus will be back on the road, but expect to see it on the 104 (peak hour trips to West Chester), 123, 124, and 125.
Wednesday, June 12, 2002
ARCHIVES - 06/12/02
Bus service along West Chester Pike west of Robinson was severely delayed by about 20-30 minutes due to police activity in Havertown. For at least the second time this week, the 5:33pm express to West Chester ran local with a standing load, leaving 69 St about 15 minutes late.
Monday, June 10, 2002
ARCHIVES - 06/10/02
Regular riders on the 5:33pm 104 West Chester Express to Eagle Rd got a rude surprise when it was announced that the trip is now a local making all stops - and adding about 3-4 minutes to the run time. The lame excuse offered by Terminal Manager J. O'Rourke (who obviously took lessons in dealing with the public from Richard Maloney) was that riders travelling to Eagle Rd were inconvenienced by a lack of service.
Considering that there's a 123 that leaves for King of Prussia at 5:25pm and a 112 that leaves at 5:40pm, that's a pretty ridiculous explanation.
There was no new timetable issued for the 104 this time around for whatever reason. How O'Rourke still has such a key assignment within SEPTA is beyond me. The sad part is that some passengers tell me he's actually an improvement from his predecessors (which I find hard to believe).
The good news is that there's no longer a bus shortage at Red Arrow. The bad news is that there is still an operator shortage. Service both last Monday and today was worse than usual as some trips were forced to be cancelled.
Speaking of the aforementioned Mr. Maloney, DVARP's newsletter reports that NBC10's Sheila Allen-Stephens was thwarted by Maloney in her efforts to get interior footage of seats in SEPTA's Regional Rail cars as part of a May 29 story in the ongoing "Seat-Gate" controversy involving the new Silverliner V order.Here's hoping that NBC 10 does a hit piece on the fact that some T-Cars are on the road with expired inspection stickers - as is the case with SUR4243, which was spotted yesterday at 69 St Terminal and today at Arrott Terminal with stickers that expired in March. Shades of SUR6393 from this past April in Frankford (see the April 2002 archives page).
Someone at Comly may want to be reminded that the 73 is a wheelchair accessible route. During the afternoon, 8763, 8775, and 3098 were all seen running the 73 at one point or another. On a related note, the 24 saw 3108 running 2286 block even though the 24 is also an accessible line.
The 6:20pm 92/133 run from West Chester to King of Prussia (6020 block) saw 3203 - a non-accessible bus covering that run, which usually sees an ElDorado.
Considering that there's a 123 that leaves for King of Prussia at 5:25pm and a 112 that leaves at 5:40pm, that's a pretty ridiculous explanation.
There was no new timetable issued for the 104 this time around for whatever reason. How O'Rourke still has such a key assignment within SEPTA is beyond me. The sad part is that some passengers tell me he's actually an improvement from his predecessors (which I find hard to believe).
The good news is that there's no longer a bus shortage at Red Arrow. The bad news is that there is still an operator shortage. Service both last Monday and today was worse than usual as some trips were forced to be cancelled.
Speaking of the aforementioned Mr. Maloney, DVARP's newsletter reports that NBC10's Sheila Allen-Stephens was thwarted by Maloney in her efforts to get interior footage of seats in SEPTA's Regional Rail cars as part of a May 29 story in the ongoing "Seat-Gate" controversy involving the new Silverliner V order.Here's hoping that NBC 10 does a hit piece on the fact that some T-Cars are on the road with expired inspection stickers - as is the case with SUR4243, which was spotted yesterday at 69 St Terminal and today at Arrott Terminal with stickers that expired in March. Shades of SUR6393 from this past April in Frankford (see the April 2002 archives page).
Someone at Comly may want to be reminded that the 73 is a wheelchair accessible route. During the afternoon, 8763, 8775, and 3098 were all seen running the 73 at one point or another. On a related note, the 24 saw 3108 running 2286 block even though the 24 is also an accessible line.
The 6:20pm 92/133 run from West Chester to King of Prussia (6020 block) saw 3203 - a non-accessible bus covering that run, which usually sees an ElDorado.
Friday, June 07, 2002
ARCHIVES - 06/07/02
In case anyone has forgotten, the SEPTA Roadeo will take place tomorrow at the Veteran's Stadium parking lot (11 St/Pattison Av side; enter from Pattison) starting at 8:00am. Hopefully, the weather will hold out this year, unlike last year when some heavy rain arrived right at the tail end of the event.SEPTA, NJ Transit, DART First State, Greyhound, Martz, and the School District of Philadelphia are among the usual groups of operators who will have displays at the event. As usual, there will also be a celebrity bus roadeo held, however there will be a new champion this year. WPVI meteorologist Sally Ann Mosley is not expected to compete this year. Oddly enough, SEPTA hasn't posted anything about the Roadeo on its web site, so more specific details about this year's event are few and far between. (IMPORTANT NOTE: SEPTA Roadeo 2002 update will occur tomorrow; in brief, John Rinylo of Southern Depot is the SEPTA Roadeo champion (this is a recording...); former Phillies reliever (and occasional guest PA announcer at the Vet) Tug McGraw won the Celebrity Roadeo. More details and pictures will be posted within the next week or so...)
Tomorrow will be a sad day for trackless fans in Northeast Philadelphia, as it will mark the final day of ETB service on the 59, 66, and 75 for at least the next 18 months. Construction around the Frankford Terminal area will block access for the ETBs during this time, hence the busing. If you're going to the SEPTA Roadeo tomorrow, you may want to head up to Frankford afterwards to get some parting shots of the ETBs in the Northeast.
SEPTA will operate a shuttle bus on Sunday for the Odunde Street Festival on South St. Service will operate between 15 St/JFK Blvd and 19 St/Lombard every 20 minutes between 11:00am and 7:00pm. Interesting how in recent weeks, SEPTA has operated more shuttle route service than it has in previous years...
SEPTA is in the planning stages for its next 300 bus order, which could be placed as early as the end of this year. SEPTA is strongly considering returning to New Flyer for their next batch of buses, even though Neoplan has expressed intrest in the upcoming order.
SEPTA will not operate the Center City Bus Loop to the Mann Music Center on Saturday for the Manheim Steamroller concert. Apparently, fans of Manheim Steamroller do not take transit...
There are a ton of detours around the Manayunk area due to the US Pro Cycling Championship and the related drunkeness festivals along Main St. In any case, the Wissahickon Transfer Center will be closed and all transfers made at that station will be moved to Ridge and Midvale (K terminus).
Tomorrow will be a sad day for trackless fans in Northeast Philadelphia, as it will mark the final day of ETB service on the 59, 66, and 75 for at least the next 18 months. Construction around the Frankford Terminal area will block access for the ETBs during this time, hence the busing. If you're going to the SEPTA Roadeo tomorrow, you may want to head up to Frankford afterwards to get some parting shots of the ETBs in the Northeast.
SEPTA will operate a shuttle bus on Sunday for the Odunde Street Festival on South St. Service will operate between 15 St/JFK Blvd and 19 St/Lombard every 20 minutes between 11:00am and 7:00pm. Interesting how in recent weeks, SEPTA has operated more shuttle route service than it has in previous years...
SEPTA is in the planning stages for its next 300 bus order, which could be placed as early as the end of this year. SEPTA is strongly considering returning to New Flyer for their next batch of buses, even though Neoplan has expressed intrest in the upcoming order.
SEPTA will not operate the Center City Bus Loop to the Mann Music Center on Saturday for the Manheim Steamroller concert. Apparently, fans of Manheim Steamroller do not take transit...
There are a ton of detours around the Manayunk area due to the US Pro Cycling Championship and the related drunkeness festivals along Main St. In any case, the Wissahickon Transfer Center will be closed and all transfers made at that station will be moved to Ridge and Midvale (K terminus).
Monday, June 03, 2002
ARCHIVES - 06/03/02
Listed below are the major highlights for the City and Red Arrow schedule changes. CTD schedules change on Sunday, Red Arrow on the 10th, and subway/elevated schedules change on the 16th (as noted above, full details of the timetable changes are listed on a separate page):
It appears that Midvale will get the lion's share of 5600 series New Flyers when they arrive next year. Tentatively 85 of the 100 buses in this batch will go to Midvale with the remaining 15 going to Frontier.
The misadventures of 6019 block - the ever controversial 92/133 run from hell - continued today, as the bus assigned to that run reportedly had equipment problems. The 7:20pm trip to Exton Square Mall never even made it into West Chester. And SEPTA wonders why ridership is abysmal on that line?
- ROUTE 1: Seasonal schedule adjustments to reflect reduced service needs to the IRS Building; mid-day service will continue
- ROUTE 8: Seasonal adjustments to reflect the end of the academic year for the School District of Philadelphia
- ROUTE 14: Added early AM service to Oxford Valley; other weekday peak hour adjustments, mainly IRS related
- ROUTE 26: Route now operates out of Midvale
- ROUTE 27: Select weekday trips will only stop at Metroplex on request
- ROUTE 33: Sunday base service reduced from every 10 minutes to every 12 minutes
- ROUTES 47 & 57: Some trips moved from Midvale to Southern
- ROUTE 52: AM & PM peak hour trip time changes; short-turn trippers to Parkside Loop ended for summer
- ROUTE 54: All trips now assigned to Midvale
- ROUTE 73: Service now operated out of Comly
- ROUTE 77: Run times adjusted to accomodate detour in Cheltenham and Abington Twps and for Limited Stop service along Cottman
- ROUTE 76 (SPREE): New routing and service hours (see related item below)
- ROUTES H/XH: Peak headway adjustments; express service eliminated
- ROUTE 100: Peak headways reduced to every 15 minutes, with 2 car trains on all Norristown Express trips; weekend run time adjustments
- ROUTE 101: Daily 1:25am round trip to Media added, mainly to accomodate overnight shift at Drexelbrook; Saturday service levels reduced from every 20 minutes to every 30 minutes; Sunday service doubled from 60 minute headways to 30 minute headways
- ROUTE 102: Saturday service levels reduced from every 20 minutes to every 30 minutes; Sunday service doubled from 60 minute headways to 30 minute headways
- ROUTE 105: Run time adjustments due to Lancaster Av construction in Tredyffrin and Easttown
- ROUTE 108: New Sunday 6:30am trip to Philadelphia International Airport
- ROUTE 109: Saturday base service operates every 20 minutes between 9:00am and 7:00pm (depending on time of day, service increases or decreases)
- ROUTE 112: Minor weekday time adjustments
- ROUTE 123: Revised weekday and weekend run times, mainly due to I-76/US 202 interchange construction
- ROUTE 305: Sunday schedule now matches Saturday schedule, primarily due to increased service on the 102 trolley
It appears that Midvale will get the lion's share of 5600 series New Flyers when they arrive next year. Tentatively 85 of the 100 buses in this batch will go to Midvale with the remaining 15 going to Frontier.
The misadventures of 6019 block - the ever controversial 92/133 run from hell - continued today, as the bus assigned to that run reportedly had equipment problems. The 7:20pm trip to Exton Square Mall never even made it into West Chester. And SEPTA wonders why ridership is abysmal on that line?
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