The Length Of A Septa Bus Explained

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is a regional public transportation authority that operates buses, rapid transit, commuter rail, light rail, and electric trolleybus services for nearly four million people throughout five counties in and around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. SEPTA operates over 120 bus routes, with most routes in the City of Philadelphia proper. The length of a SEPTA bus varies depending on the specific route and model of the bus. However, on average, a standard SEPTA bus is around 40 feet (12 meters) long. These buses play a crucial role in connecting neighborhoods and destinations throughout the region, with routes designed to intersect at nearby intersections, terminals, loops, and transportation centers.

How long is a SEPTA bus route?

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) operates over 120 bus routes, with most routes in the City of Philadelphia proper. The bus routes cover an extensive area, connecting various neighbourhoods and destinations throughout the region.

In Philadelphia, SEPTA has 128 bus routes with 12,949 bus stops. The routes span from the Hope Av & Charles St stop to the Trenton Transit Center and from the Cross Keys Center Doylestown to the Ridge Rd & Naamans Rd stop.

The length of a SEPTA bus route can vary significantly, with the longest line being 129, covering over 40 kilometres with 100 stops. This route starts from the City Line Loop in Philadelphia and ends at the Oxford Valley Mall & J C Penney in Middletown. On the other hand, the shortest line is 54, spanning just 2 kilometres with 9 stops. This route operates within Philadelphia, beginning and ending on Lehigh Av, between 22nd St and Broad St.

The specific distance and duration of each bus route can be influenced by factors such as the number of stops, traffic conditions, and the speed limits on the roads travelled.

Additionally, SEPTA offers Night Owl Bus Routes that run 24 hours a day. These routes include Route 6, 14, 17, 20, 23, 33, 37, 42, 47, 52, 56, 60, 66, 73, 79, 108, 109, G, and R.

How much does it cost to ride a SEPTA bus?

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) offers a variety of payment options for riding its buses. The cost of a ride depends on the method of payment, the rider's age, and whether they are travelling with other passengers.

Payment Methods

Riders can pay with cash, a Quick Trip, a SEPTA Key card, or contactless payment with a credit or debit card.

Cash

Riders paying with cash must have the exact change for a fare of $2.50. This method does not allow for free transfers.

Quick Trip

Quick Trips are magnetic strip cards that can be purchased at Fare Kiosks. They cost $2.50 for transit and vary by zone and time of day on Regional Rail. They do not allow for free transfers, except at free interchange stations in Center City at the 13th, 15th, and Drexel at 30th Street Stations.

SEPTA Key Card

The SEPTA Key card is a smart card that can be used on SEPTA's transit services and Regional Rail. The card has a travel wallet that can be reloaded online, at kiosks, SEPTA Sales Offices, and participating retailers. The card replaced tokens, paper tickets, and paper passes and is now the preferred method of payment on SEPTA services.

Contactless Payment

Riders can also pay with a credit or debit card, or a mobile wallet on NFC-enabled phones and smartwatches.

Multi-Rider

The Multi-Rider option allows up to five passengers travelling together to pay with a single SEPTA Key Card.

Concessions

Children under 12 can ride for free when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. Seniors over 65 with a valid Senior Fare Card can also ride for free on Regional Rail in Pennsylvania. For trains to or from New Jersey or Delaware, seniors pay half the fare. Riders with disabilities are eligible for half-fare with the use of a Reduced Fare card.

Passes

SEPTA also offers a range of passes for frequent travellers, including One Day, Three Day, Weekly, and Monthly passes. These passes are only available on a SEPTA Key card. Paper passes have been discontinued.

How do you pay for a SEPTA bus?

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) offers a variety of ways to pay for its bus services.

The SEPTA Key card is a reloadable, contactless chip card that can be used to pay for travel on SEPTA buses. The card can be purchased from SEPTA Sales Offices, Station Fare Kiosks, or authorised retailers. The card costs $4.95, but this fee is refunded to your card's Travel Wallet when you register the card at septakey.org. Cards must be registered within 30 days of purchase.

The Travel Wallet function of the SEPTA Key card can be loaded with funds, or you can load Daily, Weekly, or Monthly Passes onto the card. The card can also be used to pay for Regional Rail travel within Center City Philadelphia and Fare Zone 1, as well as the Airport Line. The card can be managed through the official SEPTA App, or by logging into septakey.org.

You can also pay for a SEPTA bus ride using cash. However, you must have the exact fare, as operators cannot provide change. The cash fare is $2.50, while the fare using the SEPTA Key card is $2.00.

In addition, SEPTA accepts contactless payment (credit/debit card or Apple/Google/Samsung Pay) for travel on its buses. This method of payment offers the same fares as the SEPTA Key card ($2.00 per ride) and allows for two free transfers within two hours.

Finally, the SEPTA App offers a feature called Key Tix, which allows you to pay for up to five people using your smartphone. A QR code "ticket" can be downloaded and scanned at fareboxes and turnstiles. This option is available for both occasional and regular riders who do not have a SEPTA Key card.

What are the rules on a SEPTA bus?

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is a regional public transportation authority that operates buses, rapid transit, commuter rail, light rail, and electric trolleybus services for nearly four million people throughout five counties in and around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Passenger Etiquette

• Smoking, including vaping, is not permitted by law in stations, on platforms, in transit shelters, or on any transit vehicle.
• Gasoline-powered vehicles, mopeds, and motorcycles are not allowed on SEPTA vehicles.
• Alcohol consumption is forbidden at all times.
• Have the correct fare ready to speed up boarding.
• Always yield designated seats to seniors and riders with disabilities.
• Do not occupy more than one seat, and do not place your feet or belongings on adjacent seats.
• Do not play music out loud. Use earbuds or headphones instead.
• Keep phone calls short, and speak quietly without using the speaker.
• Only drinks with secure lids and light snacks are allowed. Do not consume hot or processed foods (you may carry food in bags to eat later).
• Take all your belongings with you when you leave, and dispose of any trash or recyclables properly.
• When standing on a vehicle, especially near doors, move aside to allow other riders to board or exit. On subways or elevated trains, "step out, step in" to allow others easy access to the train.
• Comply with requests from SEPTA employees to ensure that all transit passengers have a safe, secure, comfortable, and inviting travel experience.

Strollers and Shopping Carts

• Strollers and shopping carts may be in the open position while riding, boarding, and exiting SEPTA vehicles, but they must not block the aisle or doorways.
• On the Subway-Surface Trolleys, strollers and shopping carts may need to be folded depending on conditions (except wheelchair strollers). Open strollers are not permitted on trolleys due to accessibility constraints.

General Rules

• Drinks must be kept in containers with resealable lids, and only small, light snacks are allowed on board.
• Do not block the operator's cab door, and do not move between cars.
• Stay on the curb until the bus pulls away, and leave through the center (rear) doors.
• On the Norristown High-Speed Line, stand behind the yellow line and move towards the back of the car. Stay out of the track area, and respect the QuietRide Car.
• At stations, stops, and transit centers, riders can transfer between SEPTA Bus and Metro services. However, transfers must be made within two hours, and only one transfer is allowed for KeyTix users. Riders paying with cash or Quick Trip cannot take advantage of the two-hour free transfer window.

How do you request a stop on a SEPTA bus?

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) operates buses, rapid transit, commuter rail, light rail, and electric trolleybus services for nearly four million people throughout five counties in and around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

If you need to request a stop on a SEPTA bus, here are the steps you can follow:

• Locate the yellow cord or strip that runs along the windows just above the seats.
• Pull the cord or strip when you are ready to get off at the next stop. This will signal to the driver that someone wants to disembark at the upcoming stop.
• If you are unable to reach the cord or strip, you can also verbally request a stop by saying "next stop, please" or something similar. The driver will then know to stop at the next designated bus stop.
• Make your way towards the exit as the bus approaches your stop.
• Thank the driver as you disembark, and be careful when exiting the bus, especially if there is oncoming traffic.

Remember to be courteous to your fellow passengers and the driver. If you are sitting near the exit, move to the side to allow others to disembark easily. If you have large items or luggage with you, try to position them in a way that doesn't block the aisle or door.

Additionally, keep in mind that SEPTA has specific guidelines regarding the use of strollers and pets on their buses. Open strollers are permitted on buses but must be vacated if they block the priority seating area for individuals with disabilities. Pets are only allowed on SEPTA buses if they are in standard sturdy pet carriers, and they must not be disruptive.

By following these steps and guidelines, you can safely and effectively request a stop on a SEPTA bus.

Frequently asked questions