Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, or SEPTA for short, operates bus, trolley, trackless trolley, subway/rapid transit, and commuter rail service in the southeastern part of Pennsylvania. With service to Philadelphia, Montgomery County, Delaware County, and Chester County in PA, as well as Delaware and New Jersey, SEPTA is the largest transportation agency in Pennsylvania and the 6th largest in the United States overall.
Headquarters Location
SEPTA Headquarters is located at 1234 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19107
Routes and Service
Between the city of Philadelphia, and it’s surrounding counties (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties), SEPTA operates over a hundred bus routes, thirteen commuter rail lines under the SEPTA Regional Rail branding, and eight trolley/street car lines, five subway/elevated lines, and an interurban line under the SEPTA Metro branding. SEPTA also operates paratransit door-to-door service called “SEPTA Access.” Of all the operations, SEPTA’s bus operation is the largest, with the regional rail being the second largest.
SEPTA Bus Operations
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus Debut
SEPTA is undergoing a massive system change with the bus network, which aims to replace the current numbering. This bus network redesign was previously calledBus Revolution,but was renamed to the “Better Bus Initiative” and now simply called “New Bus Network.” Originally, this was supposed to start in November 2024, but it was delayed quite a few times, but kicked back up in Spring 2025. All of the letter bus routes (except Route K) was changed to numbers. Phase 1 of this new bus network is supposed to begin August 19th 2026.
SEPTA Bus Route Numbering
Routes 1-89 are are routes that operate within the city of Philadelphia. This is often refered to as the City Transit Division, and most bus operate within this division. All three trackless trolley lines (59, 66, 75), also operate within this division. Exceptions to this are routes K, and Boulevard Direct.
The Boulevard Direct is a specially branded limited stop route along the Roosevelt Boulevard in Philadelphia, hence being named as such.
Outside of Philadelphia, SEPTA operates what is known as the Suburban Transit Division which operate in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties.
- Routes 90-99, 124-125, 131, 132, and 139 operate in Montgomery County.
- Route 92 also serves Chester County
- Routes 124 and 125 also serve Center City Philadelphia
- Routes 103-123, 126 operate in Delaware County
- Routes 104, 106, and 118 also serves Chester County
- Route 123 also serves Montgomery County
- Routes 127-130 and 133 operate in Bucks County.
- Routes 129, 130, and 133 all serve the city of Philadelphia
- Route 135 opeates in Chester County
There’s also routes in the 200 series that act as bus-to-rail shuttles, and routes in the 300. While the 200 series will be gone in 2027, the 300 series routes will remain.
The 200 series routes operate out of Frontier Depot. They all operate from a Regional Rail station to a specific area, and acts as a “last mile” service. These will be replaced with SEPTA GO service by 2027.
- Route 201 is a bus to rail shuttle serving Fort Washington Station, connecting to the Fort Washington Business center
- Route 204 is a bus to rail shuttle serving Paoli Station, connecting to Eagleview
- Route 206 is a bus to rail shuttle, serving Paoli Station, connecting to Great Valley Corporate Center
The 300 series operate out of Germantown Depot and is contracted to “Trenton-Philadelphia Coach” but use SEPTA Branded buses.
- Route 310 is the Horsham Loop, serving Willow Grove and Horsham
- Route 312 is the Cornwells Heights Parking Lot Shuttle
- Route 316 is the LUCY Loop through University City
Routes in the 400 series are special school bus routes that operate to Philadelphia area schools but only on days when school is in session. This is often noted by “400 Series” on transit stops, though some bus stops actually list individual Routes. The following are the active 400 series routes for the 2025-2026 school year. Unless otherwise noted, these routes operate inbound to the school in bold during the AM hours, and outbound from the school in the PM hours.
- Route 409 Motivation High School to 84th-Crane (outbound PM only)
- Route 411 Island-Elmwood to West Philadelphia High School and West Catholic High School (inbound AM only)
- Route 415 West Philadelphia High School and West Catholic High School to Island-Elmwood (outbound PM only)
- Route 426 Little Flower High School to Frankford Transit Center
- Route 428 Little Flower High School to Richmond-Venango
- Route 433 Little Flower High School to Castor-Bliegh
- Route 438 Saul Agricultural High School to Germantown-Chelten
- Route 439 Roxborough High School to Germantown-Chelten
- Route 441 Roman Catholic High School to Ridge-Summit (inbound AM service starts at Ridge-Cathedral)
- Route 442 Randolph Career Academy to Barren Hill
- Route 445 Roxborough High School to Frankford Transit Center
- Route 446 Saul Agricultural High School to 29th-Allegheny (inbound AM service starts at City Hall)
- Route 447 Saul Agricultural High School to Frankford Transit Center
- Route 448 Roman Catholic High School to Ridge-Summit
- Route 450 George Washington High School to Frankford-Linden
- Route 452 George Washington High School to Adademy-Medford
- Route 461 Archbishop Ryan High School to Buselton-Verree
- Route 462 Archbishop Ryan High School to Alburger-Verree
- Route 475 Baldi Middle School to Buselton-Philmont
- Route 476 Baldi Middle School to Roosevelt-Southampton
- Route 477 Baldi Middle School to Comly-Academy
- Route 478 Baldi Middle School to Roosevelt-Welsh
- Route 484 St. Huberts High School to Holy Redeemer Hospital
- Route 490 Baldi Middle School to Fox Chase
- Route 492 Baldi Middle School to Buselton-Renard
- Route 495 Little Flower High School to Rhawn-Verree
SEPTA Bus Connections with other Agencies
SEPTA Makes multiple connections to other transit agencies througout its operating area. Every SEPTA Route that operates in Center City Philadelphia, connects with PHLASH service (except currently routes 12, 25, and 40) as well as NJ Transit service along Market Street. SEPTA buses also connect with Amtrak at the following stations:
- Ardmore Station
- North Philadelphia Station
- Paoli Station
- Trenton Transit Center
- William H. Gray III 30th Street Station
SEPTA also makes connections with other transit agencies at the following locations:
- Route 93 connects to PART Service in Pottstown
- Route 113 connects with DART First State service at Claymont Transit Center in Delaware
- Routes 124 and 125 connect with NJ Transit bus service along Market Street in Center City Philadelphia.
- Route 127 connects with NJ Transit bus service in Trenton, NJ
SEPTA Overnight Bus Service
SEPTA’s overnight service is referred to as NiteOwls. The current routes with NiteOwl service are 6, 14, 17, 20, 22, 23, 33, 37, 42, 47, 51, 52, 55, 56, 60, 63, 66, 68, 73, 79, 108, 109, and G1. SEPTA also operates overnight NiteOwl service on the 
and 
as bus service from 12:30am to 5:30am.
SEPTA Transit Bus Fleet Roster
SEPTA’s transit bus fleet consists of mostly New Flyer Buses, with less than a quarter of the fleet being NovaBus Built, and a small fleet of buses built by Proterra. The best way to learn details and specifics on SEPTA’s fleet such as depot assignments, and exact delivery dates, as well as use an active bus tracking system, it’s best to go on Philadelphia Transit Vehicles. Every bus in the fleet uses Luminator Horizon destination signs unless otherwise noted.
| Year | Make/Model | Image | Engine/Transmission | Fleet Numbers | Notes |
| 1970 | General Motors T6H-5306A “Fishbowl” |  | Detroit Diesel 6v71N/Allison VH-9 | 4300 | • Preserved by SEPTA • Not Used in Revenue Service |
| 1974 | Flxible 53096-8-1 “New Look” |  | Detroit Diesel 8v71N/Allison VS2-8 | 6569 | • Preserved by SEPTA • Not Used in Revenue Service |
| 2007- 2008 | New Flyer E40LFR |  | Cummins QSB | 800-837 | • Electric Trolley Bus |
| 2010- 2011 | New Flyer DE40LFR |  | Cummins ISL9 Allison H-40 EP | 8340-8559 | • mostly retired • currently retiring |
| 2014- 2015 | NovaBus LFS 40102 |   | Cummins ISL9 Allison H-40 EP | 8600-8689 | • 8645, 8680, 8682-8689 Wrapped in Boulevard DirectLivery • Overhauled and refitted with the new Clever Devices system for onboard announcements and displays |
| 2014- 2016 | NovaBus LFS Artic 62102 |  | Cummins ISL9 Allison H-50 EP | 7300-7484 | • Overhauled and refitted with the new Clever Devices system for onboard announcements and displays |
| 2016 | New Flyer MD30 “MiDi” |   | Cummins ISB Allison B300R6 | 4600-4634 | • Uses Hanover Displays destination signs • 4602-4617 wears a LUCY Livery • Currently being overhauled and refitted with the new Clever Devices system for onboard announcements and displays |
| 2016 | New Flyer XDE40 “Xcelsior” |  | Cummins ISL9 Allison H-40 EP | 3000 | • Originally numbered 9000 • First bus to be delivered with Clever Devices |
| 2017- 2021 | New Flyer XDE40 “Xcelsior” |  | Cummins L9 Allison H-40 EP | 3001-3524 | • Currently being overhauled |
| 2022-2024 | New Flyer XDE40 “Xcelsior” |  | Cummins B6.7 BAE HybriDrive System 300 ER | 3525-3744 | |
| 2024 | New Flyer XHE40 “Xcelsior” |  | Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Bus | 700-709 | • First Hydrogen Fuel Cell-electric buses in the fleet • Equipped with Luminator Spectrum full color LED signs |
| 2025 | New Flyer XDE40 “Xcelsior” |  | Cummins B6.7 BAE HybriDrive System 300 ER | 3745-3864 | These buses have additional stroller space |
| 2027- | Eldorado Axxess | TBD | TBD | TBD | Ordered with clean energy grant from the FTA |
SEPTA GO
SEPTA  GO |
SEPTA GO is the name of SEPTA’s micro-transit service. This operates in the form of “On-Demand Zones” which replaces a lot of service in Bucks and Chester Counties. This service has not yet started, but some of the fleet is on SEPTA’s property as of September 20th, 2025
SEPTA GO Zones
The On-Demand zones are split up between Bucks, Chester, and Montgomery Counties. There are six zones in total.
- Bucks County SEPTA GO Zones
- Bristol-Croydon-Cornwells Heights
- Replacing service on routes 128 and 133 and discontinued portions of route 130
- Provides connections to bus routes 66, 84, 85, 86, and 129
- Provides connections to the Trenton Line at multiple stations.
- Levittown-Bristol
- Replacing Levittown Service on route 127 and 128
- Provides connections to bus routes 14, 127, and 129
- Provides connections to the Trenton Line at Levittown and Bristol Stations
- Bristol-Croydon-Cornwells Heights
- Montgomery County SEPTA GO Zones
- Lansdale-Telford
- Replacing service on route 132
- Provides connections to bus routes 96 and 94
- Provides connections to Lansdale/Doylestown Line at Lansdale Station
- Norristown
- Replaces service on route 90
- Provides connections to bus routes 93, 96, 97, 98, and 131
- Provides connections to Norristown Line at Norristown Transit Center
- Provides connections to SEPTA Metro M trains at Norristown Transit Center
- Lansdale-Telford
- Chester County SEPTA GO Zones
- Paoli-Great Valley
- Replaces service on route 206
- Provides connections to bus routes 105 and 142
- Provides connections to Paoli/Thorndale Line at Paoli and Malvern Stations
- West Chester-Malvern
- Replaces service on route 92
- Provides connections to routes 104, 105, 135, and 142
- Provides connection to West Chester Transit Center
- Provides connection to Paoli/Thorndale Line at Paoli and Malvern Stations
- Paoli-Great Valley
SEPTA GO Fleet
So far, the SEPTA Go fleet is just starting up, and only contains two vehicles, but they are still arriving.
| Year | Make/Model | Image | Engine/Transmission | Numbers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-2026 | Ford E450/Coach and Equipment Phoenix |  | Ford E450 Chassis | 4700-4724 | • Not currently in service • 4700-4724 currently delivered |
SEPTA Access
SEPTA  ACCESS |
SEPTA Access, formerly known as Customized Community Transit (CCT Connect), is the name of SEPTA’s accessible service. This operates as either a door-to-door/shared ride service for senior riders within the SEPTA service area, or a last mile accessible ride for disabled riders. All SEPTA Access rides must be reserved in advanced, and have a 30 minute pick-up and drop-off window.
The last mile service hours parallel that of the nearby bus and Metro routes. If a route runs 24 hours a day, then there is 24 hour service within 3/4 of a mile of said route. If a route does not operate on Sundays, then service will not be provided on Sundays. This service is also limited to the city of Philadelphia, or within a 3 mile radius of the city (but within SEPTA’s service area). With this service, rides are shared and run more like a bus route regardless of destination.
Beginning in August 2024, riders are prompted to download the “SEPTA on Demand” app and request a ride that way, but rides can still be requested through the call center.
Although SEPTA Access is a service owned and operated by SEPTA, the vehicles themselves are leased to, and operated by…
- Easton Coach
- Krapf’s Transit
- Total Transportation Inc
SEPTA Access Bus Fleet
The fleet consists of Ford Econoline cutaway buses with Coach & Equipment bodies. SEPTA has generationally kept the fleet within the same numbering, and replace them as-needed unlike the transit bus fleet which is replaced every 12 years. These buses are split between several private operators. Most of the fleet still wears the original CCT Connect branding, but new buses delivered in 2025 and onwards will have the “SEPTA Access” branding.
SEPTA Metro
SEPTA  Metro |
SEPTA operates many subway, elevated, trolley, and light rail lines. Until February 22nd, 2025, each line was named and labeled based on where they operate. Subway and Elevated lines were named based on the terminus or main streets of the line. Trolley lines were numbered with their original streetcar numbers.
As of February 23rd, 2025, SEPTA Metro is the branding used for all rail-bound rapid transit lines, including all trolley/streetcar, light rail, subway, elevated, and interurban services. Each letter/color represents where the trunk lines operate. Numbers refer to the specific routes, service level, or spurs. The trunk lines are as follows:
lines are subway lines that operate via Broad Street in Philadelphia (Originally Broad Street Line and Broad-Ridge Spur)
lines are trolley lines that operate exclusively in Delaware County (Originally Trolley routes 101 and 102)
lines are trolley lines that operate on Girard Avenue in Philadelphia (Originally route 15)
lines are elevated lines that operate along what was originally known as the Market-Frankford Line
lines are interurban transit lines that operate into Montgomery County (Originally Norristown High-Speed Line)
are trolley lines that operate into a tunnel through Center City Philadelphia (Originally routes 10, 11, 13, 34, and 36)
Each of the trunk lines have individual lines, represented by numbers, which each operate their own levels of service (e.g. ). The following sections below focus on the individual operations of SEPTA Metro, organized by operations type.
SEPTA Metro Trolley Operations
SEPTA currently operates the largest streetcar system in the United States, with 8 routes spread out over 68 miles of trackage. Under the New SEPTA Metro re-branding, these routes are numbered as follows. (Click the route icon to the left of the chart for more information about the related line)
 Delaware County Trolleys | D Lines operate to 69th Street Transit Center, and share a trunk line that parallels Garret Road between 69th Street Transit Center, and Drexel Hill Junction Station. These operate within Delaware County, hence the label “D” Former Route 101 which operates to Orange Street/Media, via Springfield Former Route 102 which operates to Sharon Hill via Clifton/Aldan |
 Girard Avenue Trolleys | G Lines operate via Girard Avenue in Philadelphia G1 Former Route 15, which operates between Richmond-Westmoreland Loop and 63rd-Girard. This line has trips that operate via Frankford Avenue to Delaware Avenue. |
Tunnel Trolleys | T Lines operate via the subway surface tunnel through the Center City and University City neighborhoods of Philadelphia. These routes are underground between 40th Street and 13th Street. with the exception of T1 (Route 10) which operates the same tunnel but only between 13th Street and 36th Street in the tunnel. T1 Former Route 10 which operates via Lancaster Avenue to 63rd and Malvern T2 Former Route 34 which operates via Baltimore Avenue to 61st Street T3 Former Route 13 which operates via Chester Avenue to Yeadon or Darby Transit Center T4 Former Route 11 which operates via Woodland Avenue to Darby Transit Center T5 Former Route 36 which operates via Elmwood Avenue to 73rd Street or 80th-Eastwick |
Only routes G1 T1 T3 and T5 operate overnight. No other SEPTA Metro trolley lines operate overnight service. The T lines operate slightly different service patterns overnight as well.
SEPTA Metro Trolley Roster
On these lines, SEPTA operates a diverse fleet of trolley cars being either built from Kawasaki or rebuilt PCC cars.
| Years | Make/Model | Image | Fleet Numbers | Used on Routes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1947- 1948 | St. Louis Car Co/ Brookville PCC-II |  | 2320-2337* |  | • Rebuilt in 2003-2005 by Brookville • Rebuilt again in 2021-ongoing by SEPTA • 2336 will be repainted into a “Gulf Oil” livery • 2323 will be repainted into a “Bicentennieal livery for America’s 250th |
| 1980- 1981 | Kawasaki Double Ended LRV |   | 100-128 |   | • 102 Long Term Out of Service • 106 wears original 1980’s livery |
| 1980- 1981 | Kawasaki Single-Ended LRV |   | 9000-9111 |      | • 9013 long term out of service • 9000 and 9100 wear original 1980s livery |
| 2027- 2030 | Alstom Citadis |   | 9500-9630** | | • on order • 130 cars (with options of up to 30 more) |
Notes:
*Following Rebuilds between 2002 and 2004 by Brookville, the PCC cars were renumbered into the 23xx series and designated as “PCC-IIs”
** Fleet numbers for the Alstom Citadis are unconfirmed outside of concept art.
SEPTA Metro Subway, Elevated, and Inter-Urban Rail Operations
SEPTA also operates five subway, elevated, and interurban transit lines under the “SEPTA Metro” branding. Four of these lines operate within the city of Philadelphia, two operate into Delaware County, and one operates to Montgomery County. The lines that operate within the city of Philadelphia, are named after their primary streets of operation, but the line that operates to Montgomery County is named after the terminus. Under the SEPTA Metro rebranding, these lines are named as follows.
 Broad Street Lines | B Lines operate via Broad Street in the Broad Street Subway. All Lines Start at Fern Rock Transit Center, with the exception of most trips on the Broad-Ridge Spur  which start at Olney Transit Center. This is the only SEPTA Metro heavy rail line that operates entirely within one county, Philadelphia. Broad Street Line Local making all stops between Fern Rock Transit Center and NRG Station at Pattison Avenue Broad Street Line Express operating to Walnut-Locust Station in Center City, with limited special service to NRG Station at Pattison Avenue Broad-Ridge Spur which operates to 8th-Market via Ridge Avenue and 8th Street. |
|---|---|
 Market-Frankford | L Lines on the current Market-Frankford Line in Philadelphia, operating between Frankford Transit Center and 69th Street Transit Center via Frankford Avenue, Kensington Avenue, Front Street, and Market Street. The last two, western-most stations on The Lines (Millbourne, and 69th Street Transit Center) are in Delaware County. Market-Frankford Line making all stops |
 Montgomery County | M Lines operate on a “high-speed” interurban rail line, which runs between 69th Street Transit Center and Norristown Transit Center via Ardmore, Villanova, and Radnor, and Bryn Mawr. All Stations between Norristown Transit Center and County Line Road Station are in Montgomery County (Hence the name), the rest are in Delaware County Norristown High Speed Line Local makes all stops. |
SEPTA also operates overnight service on the and as NiteOwl bus service from 12:30am to 5:30am. No other , , or service operates during those hours.
SEPTA Metro Subway, Elevated, and Interurban Rail Roster
For the most part, rail cars on used on interurban, elevated, and subway lines are built as either single cars or married pairs. Trains that operate on the Broad Street Lines are often mixed, as these are the only two lines that share tracks in the entire system.
Broad Street Lines are often mixed, as these are the only two lines that share tracks in the entire system.
| Year | Make/Model | Image | Numbers | Routes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981- 1983 | Kawasaki Heavy Metro B-IV |  | Single Cars: 501-576 Married Paris: 651-699 |    | • operates in five car consists on and • operates in two car consists on |
| 1991- 1993 | ABB Metro N5 |  | 130-155 (all single cars) |  | • operates as double or single car trains |
| 1996- 1999 | ADTranz Metro M4 |   | 1001-1032 1035-1220 (All married pairs) |  | • operates in six car consists • multiple units retired • cars 1033 and 1034 were converted to work cars |
| 2029-2031 | Hitachi Rail STS Metro M5 |  | TBD | | • on order • first to have open-gangways |
SEPTA Regional Rail
| SEPTA Regional Rail |
SEPTA also operates commuter rail services known as SEPTA Regional Rail. With Regional Rail, operations are more straightforward. With the exception of the Airport Line, ALL regional rail routes operate from the City of Philadelphia to one of the many suburbs. There are 13 regional rail lines in total, and all of them serve 30th Street Station, and Suburban Station in Center City, Philadelphia.
- Airport Line
- Chestnut Hill East Line
- Chestnut Hill West Line
- Cynwyd Line
- Fox Chase Line
- Lansdale/Doylestown Line
- Manayunk/Norristown Line
- Media/Wawa Line
- Paoli/Thorndale Line
- Trenton Line
- Warminster Line
- Wilmington/Newark Line
- West Trenton Line
SEPTA Regional Rail Passenger Fleet Roster
Similar car types are often mixed between married pairs and single cars for EMUs. All Push-Pull trains operate with one locomotive, one cab car, and a mix of trailer cars. For more information is needed on these consists, use Philadelphia Transit Vehicles.
| Year | Make/Model | Image | Fleet Numbers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1974- 1976 | General Electric Silverliner IV |    | Married Cars: 101–188, 306–399, 417–460 Single Cars: 276–305, 400–416 | • car 276 wears original “SEPTA/Pennsylvania Railroad” badging • cars 280 and 293 wears original “SEPTA/Reading Railroad” Badging • car 304 wears original “SEPTA/Conrail” Badging • car 401 wears original “SEPTA/Penn Central” Badging |
| 1987 | Bombardier Comet II JWC-1 |  | Cab Cars: 2401-2410 Trailer Cars: 2501-2525 | |
| 2000 | Bombardier “Shoreliner III” SEPTA-II |  | 2550-2559 (All trailers) | |
| 2010- 2011 | Hyundai-Rotem Silverliner V |  | Single Cars: 701-738 Married Cars: 801-882 | |
| 2017- 2018 | Siemens ACS-64 |  | 901-915 |
Sources: