SEPTA (Philadelphia Metro) Information
SEPTA is a U.S transit authority that operates all the major types of transit options like Rapid transit, Interurban, Transit bus, Trolley bus, Commuter rail and Trolley /Streetcar. The system began operations in the year 1965 and presently operates in the county of Philadelphia, Delaware County, Chester County, Montgomery County and Bucks County. In addition, it also provides services in the New Castle County in Delaware, and Mercer County in New Jersey. The system has an annual ridership of 3.9 million people and is the 6th largest transit system in the US by ridership. The entire system together, has a total of 196 lines that serve 290 stations and has a total track length of 720 kilometers.
Philadelphia Metro Map
Map of Philadelphia Metro showing various lines and stations. Click on the map to enlarge it. You can also Download Philadelphia Metro Map in PDF.
Philadelphia Metro Hours
The service starts operation at around 5.00 am and runs until midnight, on all days.
Philadelphia Metro Fares, Tickets and Cards
Riders can purchase tickets on the subway by paying cash. The cash fare for a single journey is $2.25. Exact fare must be paid. There is an option of paying with Tokens, which also provides discounts when compared with cash payment. A cost of one token is $1.80. These tokens can be bought in packs of two and more tokens. A pack of two costs $ 3.60, a pack of five is for $ 9.00, and a pack of ten tokens can be purchased for $ 18.00. Tokens can also be purchased in bulk. They are refundable and can be returned any time.
There are various passes available, to suit the needs. Riders can purchase an Independence Pass, which is available for both individual and a family. This pass provides unlimited travel for a day on SEPTA services. The individual pass costs $ 12.00, and a family pass is for $ 29.00. The family pass is valid for a family of five members, with at least one adult and a maximum of two adults.
Similarly, there is a One day Convenience Pass, which provides eight rides on any trolley, bus, and a subway route for one day for one person. The card is validated from the time, it’s presented to a SEPTA officer. It costs $ 8.00.
Frequent travelers can purchase TransPass. These are personalized passes and are available for duration of a week or a month. A Weekly TransPass costs $ 24.00, and a Monthly TransPass costs $ 91.00. The passes are valid for unlimited travel on the subway, trolley, bus and Norristown high speed line.
For more information on tickets and pricing, visit
http://www.septa.org/fares/
Philadelphia Metro Parking
Most regional rail stations and transit stations offer parking facilities for the riders. Metro riders must pay fees $1 for parking vehicle on weekdays. Frankford transportation center and Norristown transportation center has separate parking fees. You will be required to take permit to park your vehicle on permit lot on weekdays and weekends. SEPTA allow overnight parking, but riders must pay parking fees. Overnight parking on Saturday, Sunday and on major holidays can be done for free.
Philadelphia Metro Rules and Tips
Smoking is not allowed at stations and inside vehicles. Consuming light snacks is permitted. Guide dogs accompanying visually impaired people are allowed. The system also provides parking facilities at various stations for a fee of $1 on weekdays. Overnight parking is also allowed and is paid.
SEPTA (Philadelphia Metro) Lines
SEPTA began operation in 1983 and the line serves more than 150 stations. There are two subway lines that serve city central Philadelphia and also the neighboring areas. The lines are recognized by its name and color.
- Broad Street line – The orange line runs from north to south underneath Broad St. Which is one of Philadelphia’s major streets. The broad street line is 16.2 km long serving 22 stations and Broad-Ridge spurs 2.3 km long serving 3 stations. Al most all stations are built underground. The line also serves Broad Ridge spur.
- Market-Frankford Line – The blue line runs north to south from Frankford to 2nd and Market St. And then towards east west between 2nd and Market St. And 69th St. Terminal. . The line runs beneath Market Street within the city center. The blue line is 20.8km long serving 28 stations.
- Subway- Surface lines – The line is referred as trolley and it is a set of five street car lines. Each line runs in a different avenue in West Philadelphia, but all of them meet at 40th St. And Woodland Ave. The route is 3.8 km long serving 8 underground stations.
- Norristown High Speed line – The line operates above the ground from 69th street terminal on Market-Frankford line through the suburbs towards Norristown. The line offers frequent service during peak hours. The route is 21.6km long.
- PATCO Hi-Speed Line – The line is operated by the Delaware River Port Authority and the line operates between 16th and Locust Sts. In the city center Philadelphia towards Southern New Jersey. The line runs underground and it links Philadelphia with Camden and Lindenwold in New Jersey. The line is 23.3 km long serving 13 stations.