SEPTA GO service will replace low-use bus routes in Chester County

The SEPTA GO service will reshape travel in Chester County. It will replace large buses on lightly used routes with a new on-demand transit model.

Chester County will be first in SEPTA’s New Bus Network to use SEPTA GO. There, infrequently used bus routes will be removed in favor of 14-passenger vans. SEPTA says that model is better suited to areas with lower residential and employment density. In practical terms, the change shifts those routes away from large buses.

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It moves them to smaller vehicles in the new on-demand service. The agency says the setup combines paratransit features with an Uber-like on-demand ride service. It is intended to be more flexible and convenient.

How the SEPTA GO service will work?

The Spring 2027 rollout will let riders request trips on their phones. They will also be able to track when their ride is coming. Also, bookings will be available through a SEPTA call center and a web-based platform.

SEPTA General Manager Scott Sauer tied the change to the agency’s broader service plans.

“New Bus Network is a key piece of SEPTA’s commitment to make the transit system more reliable for our existing customers, and more useful to more people so we can attract new customers,” Sauer said.

“We are committed to conducting an extensive education campaign with our customers and employees in the coming months to ensure these improvements are implemented seamlessly.”

Meanwhile, passengers will still need to get to a pickup point. Under the zone-based system, a fixed-route bus line will take riders to a regional rail station or transfer hub. That will allow multimodal travel. SEPTA officials said three to four buses will operate within the two Chester County zones. Last week, officials spoke at Borough Hall in West Chester. There, they said the vehicle would arrive within half an hour of calling the request line.

Fares, transfers, and pickup zones

The SEPTA bus fare will also apply. The new service will cost $2.90 per trip. Vehicles will have card validators and cash fare boxes. In addition, Senior Fare Cards and Reduced Fare Cards will be accepted.

SEPTA GO will follow the same transfer rules as a Bus or METRO trip. That includes two free transfers to Bus or METRO. They must fall within a two-hour window of the first ride. Regional Rail to SEPTA Go transfers will require an additional fare for each mode. All weekly and monthly SEPTA Key passed will be accepted on board. Senior Fare Cards and Reduced Fare Cards will be accepted as well.

Public outreach and April 15 hearing

Separately, SEPTA said it met with the public from September 2021 through March 2024. During that period, it held 150 in-person events, 40 virtual events, and 10 public hearings. The agency said more than 20,000 voices were heard.

The “budget crisis” in the fall of 2025 delayed the rollout of the program.

An Annual Service Plan Open House and Public Hearing is scheduled for April 15. It will be held at SEPTA Headquarters, 1234 Market St., Philadelphia. The first Open House will begin in person at 11 a.m. A public hearing will follow at Noon. It will be available virtually or in person. Session 2 will include an Open House in person at 5 p.m. A Public Hearing will follow at 6 p.m. It will be offered virtually or in person.

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