USA: SEPTA will begin Phase 1 of its New Bus Network on August 23–24, introducing two new routes, six extensions, seven route eliminations and a wider set of timetable and alignment changes.

Aerial view of Frankford Transportation Center in Philadelphia.
Frankford Transportation Center in Philadelphia, an endpoint of new Route 72. Illustrative photo. Photo: AlreadyInUse0, CC BY-SA 4.0.

SEPTA’s Aug. 3 schedule bulletin says the change follows Board approval of the FY27 Annual Service Plan and marks the beginning of Phase 1 rather than completion of the entire New Bus Network. New schedules will take effect across a large number of bus and metro services over the two-day changeover.

Phase 1 covers 26 major route entries

SEPTA’s dedicated Phase 1 service page gives a clearer measure of the rollout. Its snapshot lists 26 routes with major changes, while noting that minor timetable or frequency adjustments may also affect some routes not included in the table.

The Phase 1 package includes two new routes and six extensions. Route 72 will run between Frankford Transit Center and Cedarbrook Plaza every 30 minutes, while Route 76 will operate every 30 minutes between Columbus Commons and Olney-Rising Sun Loop via Pier 70, Columbus Boulevard, Frankford Avenue and G Street.

Existing services are also being extended. Route 45 will serve the Navy Yard every day on every other trip, while Route 79 will extend to 40th Street via University City on every other trip. Other Phase 1 changes include route realignments and frequency adjustments.

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SEPTA lists alternatives for most discontinued routes

Seven routes are being discontinued: 35, 47M, 62, 78, 80, 89 and 106. SEPTA’s Phase 1 table identifies replacement or alternative services for six of them:

● Route 35: Routes 9, 27 and 61.

● Route 47M: Route 47.

● Route 62: Routes 9, 27 and 61, plus the Manayunk/Norristown Line.

● Route 80: Routes 22, 51, 55, 72 and 310.

● Route 89: the L, Routes 3, 25, 53 and 76.

● Route 106: the M, Routes 31, 65, 103 and 105, plus the Paoli/Thorndale Line.

The table lists no designated alternative for Route 78. For Route 106 riders, SEPTA specifically points to the extended Route 105 among the available options.

Riders can preview journeys before the change

SEPTA is directing passengers to its New Bus Network Trip Planner, which lets riders test how work, school, errands and entertainment journeys will look after Phase 1 takes effect. The rollout also includes redesigned maps and signage, with frequent bus routes displayed in red and standard routes in black and white.

With many schedules changing at the same time, the practical step for passengers is to check the route-specific timetable and trip planner before travelling after August 23–24. Phase 1 is the start of the New Bus Network rollout, not its final stage.

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