Big Changes Coming to Public Transit in West Philadelphia 

If you take the trolley or rely on public transit in or around West Philadelphia, now’s the time to get informed about upcoming changes. SEPTA is modernizing the trolley system and improving wayfinding across the system to make public transit more reliable, accessible, and user-friendly.  

What’s Changing? 

Trolley Modernization 

Trolley Modernization is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform one of the nation’s largest trolley networks into an accessible, fast, and easy to–use system. Trolley Modernization includes new, accessible vehicles that hold more passengers, new on-street stations that are well-marked, safe, and fully accessible, infrastructure and operational improvements to make service faster and more reliable, and proposed line extensions to make it easier for riders to reach more destinations. Visit the SEPTA Trolley Modernization page for the latest updates.

SEPTA’s Trolley Modernization plan includes: 

• New, fully accessible stations with shelters, seating, lighting, and clear signage. 

• Updated trolley vehicles with low floors for easier boarding. 

• New safety protections for passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers at intersections. 

These intended changes will make travel by trolley safer, faster and more convenient for riders across the area.

Wayfinding Improvements 

Navigating SEPTA will change with the Wayfinding Master Plan, designed to make the system more intuitive and user-friendly. Look forward to updates such as: 

• New line names and colors to make transit routes clearer (e.g., Route 36 will become the “T5 Elmwood Avenue” line). 

• Consistent signage and maps across the system. 

• Real-time arrival information on digital screens and apps. 

Together, these projects will make transit more seamless—whether you’re a daily commuter or an occasional rider.  Stay up-to-date on changes by visiting the SEPTA website.