Passenger Trains > Railfanning SEPTA

I will be taking a trip to Philadelphia and would like to know some interesting SEPTA lines to take, including subways, trolleys also. Where are the best routes to railfan or ride?

This curated set of suggestions is incomplete, and is not a substitute for doing further planning of your own. But it's an adequate start for you to build upon with your advance planning. ;)




"center city" is our term for what people who live in other cities call their "downtown"; the urban core.


I recommend riding a train through the engineering triumph that is the Center City Commuter Rail Connection -- simply, the tunnel under center city Philadelphia which seamlessly links Suburban Station with Jefferson Station. Completed in November 1984 after decades of procrastination, this tunnel connects the electrified ex-Pennsylvania Railroad commuter lines with the electrified ex-Reading Company commuter lines. This welded them together into a single unified suburban commuter-rail system which funnels through the city while also spreading across a considerable range of the city's adjacent suburban counties. Most, but not all, commuter-rail trains routinely run through from one half of SEPTA's Railroad Division to the other.

While in center city, be sure to visit the Reading Terminal building and enjoy a meal at Reading Terminal Market. :D The terminal's 1893 clear-span trainshed was overhauled and is now an integral part of the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The Market is at street level; the terminal's track level was right above the market!

Also in center city is SEPTA Headquarters at 1234 Market Street, just east of City Hall and on the south side of Market Street. They should still have a lovely, cosmetically-restored PCC trolley car on display there, one floor down from street level.



I'll wager that other folks will have suggestions of their own for where to ride on SEPTA, and why. Among various good options for an interesting end-to-end SEPTA trip, the following do stand a bit higher in overall worth than others...



1) Norristown High-Speed Line:
Formerly the Philadelphia and Western Railway...some older diehards unironically still refer to it today as "the P&W". One of only two surviving actual "interurban" railroads left in the USA, it is a fascinating throwback to the first two decades of the 20th Century while still going strong in modern form.

2) Patco High-Speed Line:
Not a SEPTA line, but connects to SEPTA in center city Philadelphia. Uses a separate fare-payment system than SEPTA's. Well worth it for the stunning panoramic view you experience during the ride across the Delaware River via the Benjamin Franklin Bridge from Philly to Lindenwold, NJ.

3) Paoli-Thorndale Line:
Formerly the PRR's Main Line. It's practically an institution! Would you go to Paris and not visit the Eiffel Tower? :)

4) Lansdale Line:
Formerly the Reading Company's Bethlehem Branch (actually one of the RDG's four most important secondary mainlines, and a major connection to the CNJ and LV railroads). Like PRR did, RDG also had its headquarters located in Philadelphia and was undoubtedly PRR's number-one competitor in this vital geographic area.



1 and 2 are electric heavy-rail transit services, with their respective fleets of cars both powered by separate Direct-Current third-rail systems. 1's cars in particular bear a definite resemblance to the world-famous Brill Bullet cars which formerly ran there between 1931 and 1990.

3 and 4 are actual standard-gauge mainline railroading, with MU coaches powered by overhead Alternating-Current catenary. Outside of center city, nearly all passenger platforms at stations are LOW-level. Both lines feature numerous interesting old passenger-station buildings which are original to the routes in question. Some date back to the 1870s!!!



If you are unfamiliar with SEPTA, I strongly urge you to consult Wikipedia and read the articles about each of the lines mentioned above in advance before riding any of them. This will give you a deeper appreciation of their builders' intentions, their history, rolling stock, and operations. And hey, it's also a great way to identify particular stations which you might wish to locate and photograph while you're here.


Some branches of SEPTA's commuter-rail system might presently be truncated or even suspended entirely, due to COVID-19-caused massive budgetary shortfalls. Research everything in advance of your visit to Philly in order to avoid disappointing surprises about whatever's not open for service. Point your browser to septa dot org and get acquainted with what you'll need to know.



Caution---
SEPTA's fare structure can accurately be described as labyrinthine and Kafkaesque - plan ahead! The agency's so-called "SEPTA Key" cards are a fairly sad excuse for an efficient AND rider-friendly payment instrument, and comes with some aggravating gotchas in the terms and conditions.



I'll now defer to other folks who can fill in the blanks.

Do like I did...start first with a full map of SEPTA.  I googled it and came up with SEPTA system map, did a 'save as' to my computer, then printed it out.

Living in Massachusetts, I made a plan to ride every route end to end as a series of same day out-and-back trips on Amtrak over a couple of years.  I did the same with NJTransit, Metro North, and LIRR, Baltimore, and still have one leg of MARC to complete.  Being retired helps greatly.

I stopped my travels due to Covid concerns.  Since Covid, I've read that most transit companies have greatly reduced the number of trains/streetcars/subways. It's essential you find out what is running and when.  I went to each site and printed out timetables and plotted my rides from 30th St Station (PHL) with enough time to catch a lunch somewhere (and use the restroom), and get back to PHL in time for the last train home.  I strongly suggest you throroughly check out the timetables and print them (even using a screen print, if needed) to lay out a schedule that works for you. 

For what it's worth, one of the first trips I took was outlined on this site a couple years ago...PHL subway to 69th St, Line to Norristown, then SEPTA (former RDG route) back to PHL.  Another was SEPTA to Media, walk 2 blocks to the streetcar (route 101) to 69th St, then back to PHL on the subway.  Nice restaurant in downtown Media as well.  Whether they or any other restaurants are open must be determined prior to traveling.  I can't overstate the need for restroom availability as well.  I'll admit to peeing 'out back somewhere' a couple times while riding NJTransit and LIRR.     

Consider buying a pass to move around the entire system.  below is info from SEPTA website.

A couple of my favorite trips on Regional Rail are riding the front car (fireman's seat) on mainline Trenton (extra fair last time I rode), Wilmington or Paoli.
 

About The Independence PassNEW - One Day Individual Independence Pass 3 Pass Bundle Available Beginning October 20, 2020About the Independence PassThe Independence Pass is ideal for individuals or families looking for the independence of convenient, economical travel on SEPTA. Occasional riders, visitors and families can travel on SEPTA Transit and Regional Rail to restaurants, shopping, casinos, sporting events and other attractions in the Greater Philadelphia region. Each pass is good for 10 trips and all rides must be taken on one day.Independence Pass holders benefit from 10 trips aboard these services:

• Bus
• Subway
• Trolley
• Regional Rail
• Mann Center Summer Bus Service (seasonal service)

I lived in Phila way too many years,

If you want to do something you cant do much anywhere else....

1. Make sure u spend some time at 30th st station.  The last, best greatest grand train station left ion this country. Incredibly traditional, from the grand days of railroading.  And its still really busy  Must be over 100 trains a day.

2.  Best light rail ride....take the Market street subway out to 69th st terminal.  Spend a little time at the terminal.  Its nothing spectacular, but largely unchanged since the 1960's. There may still be some food shops in the terminal.  The  Sharon Hill and  Media trolleys, the P&W, and the Market st EL all terminate at 69th st.
Take the Media Trolley out to Media.  The cars are 1980;s Kawasaki, and really ugly compared to the Brill and St Louie cars that pre-dated them.  But the ride is mostly unchanged since it was built over 100 years ago.  Mostly private ROW trolley line out into the countryside, the likes of which was replaced by busses almost everywhere else in the country.  Power switches activated by track circuits. Primitive signalling, and still has a stretch of single track thats operated in an old  APB track circuit system. Spring switches, 100+ year old stone trolley stop stations along the line are really something .  Picture is of one of the old stone stations on the media trolley line.

Once u are at Media, u can walk to the SEPTA media heavy rail line if u want back to 30th st.   The line still has quite a few 100 year old suburban stations, and you'll see a number of OOS freight sidings or ROW's that are left from the 1960;s.  There are also a few nice trestles on the line, but other than that, nothing spectacular.

3. Best (and usually overlooked) heavy rail line...if it is operating...is the NJT line to Atlantic City.
30th st lower level...thri Zoo interlocking, out over the schuykill river, along the great NE phila ROW that used to have 6 tracks and locals working all the industrys all day, every day.   
AT franford jct, you leave the NEC and cross over the old, old PRR main to NE phila, then over Delair bridge, one of the largest lift bridges in the country...then Jersey interlocking..over the Bordentown Br. (old PRR) and the new diesel light rail line from Camden to Trenton..Then its mostly single track wit passing sidings, and lots of "where does that track go?"  I could tell you, but i havent got time.

The best all-all-all day trip, and u might not be able to do it all in a day is...
Market st EL to 69th st--Media trolley to Media--Septa heavy rail to 30th st station--NJT to atlantic city--NJT back to Lindewold--PATCO back to Center city.  PATCO is boring, with the exception of the track over the 1923 built Ben Franklin Bridge.

Railfanning philadelphia...theres no one really good place.  Phila is definitely part of the NE rest belt, with probably 90% of the industry that was there in the 60's, now gone.
If I had to pick a place, I;d say Frankford Jct...Amtk, Septa, NJT, and some NS and CSX freight if you are lucky, , but IDK aboout the neighborhood these days, and idk anywhere in phila that you wont get harrased by either the locals or the cops.  Anyone standing around , is either a criminal or a terrorist anymore.  If you are with someone, thats better, as it makes u less suspicious and less of a target.

Oh, and Reading Terminal Market at 12th and market is always fun, if its open.

Have fun



Edited 5 time(s). Last edit at 12/30/20 23:56 by pdt.

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Two that are not SEPTA but I like are, as mentioned, the ride across the Ben Franklin Bridge on PATCO. I have never ridden past the stop where you transfer to the NJTransit River Line. The NJTransit River Line is a diesel light rail line using freight tracks by day and freight still operates at night. It is single track with many short sidings and to me represents what the modern version of an interurban in North America looks like, because that's more or less what it is. It's a nice ride with lots of variety. It is also a transit success story as the some of the state representatives from the NY metro areas said it would be a waste of money and never amount to anything and yet it exceeded projections in the first year of operation. From Trenton you can either ride back on the River Line again or ride SEPTA on the North East Corridor.

I also liked riding the Market- Frankfort Elevated. It is on an elevated for much of the length and runs pretty fast. The El cars still have a railfan seat. At the north end there are trolleybus routes, or trackless-trolleys in Philadelphia. Philadelphia is one of only five cities in the United States operating trolleybuses. I never got to ride the trolleybuses as they were not operating for at least five years or so in the mid-2000's when I was there last. Right now the 15 Girard line that had PCC cars operating is operating with buses. 

Philadelphia isn't one of my favorite cities for various reasons. I haven't been there as much as other places or as recent but these are some of things I liked. 

Jim

All of these are interesting write-ups on transit in Philadelphia.  No where else in the country can you see such a diverse grouping on systems.  Thanks to those who contributed as I have learned something from you after spending 16 years in Philly including being manager for Amtrak at 30th St Station which is a MUST SEE stop for anyone going to Philly.
 

tq-07fan Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Philadelphia isn't one of my favorite cities for
> various reasons. I haven't been there as much as
> other places or as recent but these are some of
> things I liked. 

Well, Philadelphia is one of my favorite cities for various reasons, so I'll just go ahead and cancel out your assessment ;-)

In addition to the excellent recommendations above, I'll add a few of my own:

• the Broad Street Subway features a four-track local/express tunnel north of City Hall, to my knowledge the only such heavy rail arrangement outside of New York City. The operation is made even more interesting by the Broad-Ridge Spur, a lightly-used branch line that was originally part of a planned Center City circle line that never got beyond the initial segment (which consisted of what is today the Broad-Ridge Spur and the portion of the PATCO line--originally known as the Bridge Line--south of Market St.).
• the Subway-Surface trolley lines (Routes 10, 11, 13, 34, and 36) also share a four-track tunnel with the Market-Frankford subway-elevated between 15th and 30th Streets, with the trolleys providing "local" service to 19th and 22nd Streets and the MFL non-stop express service between 15th and 30th. Stay on the trolleys past 30th Street to experience the labyrinth operation between 30th and the surface portals at 36th (Route 10) or 40th Street (Routes 11, 13, 34 and 36). The tunnels on this portion follow the original street grid, which on the surface was largely pedestrianized as parts of the Drexel and University of Pennsylvania campuses. This has resulted in very sharp curves almost reminiscent of a carnival ride. The tunnel is signalized, but once the trolleys reach the surface it's the most primitive operation you can imagine.
• if you have the time, you can pay Baldwin 60000 a visit in the basement of the Franklin Institute. It's kind of a hoot to see the running gear spin around on rollers! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baldwin_60000
• A portion of the former viaduct approach to Reading Terminal has been turned into an elevated park, borrowing a page from NYC's much-lauded High Line: https://www.therailpark.org/
• the CSX line along the Shuykill River can easily be railfanned on foot or by bicycle by visiting the Schuykill Banks park, part of which floats on pilings along the river. Crossing the river will also afford you some views of the NEC just south of 30th Street Station as well as the SEPTA Media/Elwyn and Airport lines, plus the High Line (not to be confused with the NYC High Line mentioned above).
• some interesting views can be achieved by visiting the publicly-accessible rooftop garden of the Cira Green: https://goo.gl/maps/vPg5wea9PbAqj38o8

I second the earlier recommendations for the round-trips to Norristown (Market-Frankford line to 69th Street, Route 100 to Norristown, regional rail back) and to Media (MFL to 69th Street, Route 101 to Media, regional rail back). Of course, you could make this a "grand tour" by taking regional rail to Media, Route 101 to 69th Street, Route 100 to Norristown, and regional rail back).

Hope you enjoy your visit!

Thank you everyone,,this has been very helpful. 

tq-07fan Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Two that are not SEPTA but I like are, as
> mentioned, the ride across the Ben Franklin Bridge
> on PATCO. I have never ridden past the stop where
> you transfer to the NJTransit River Line. The
> NJTransit River Line is a diesel light rail line
> using freight tracks by day and freight still
> operates at night. It is single track with many
> short sidings and to me represents what the modern
> version of an interurban in North America looks
> like, because that's more or less what it is. It's
> a nice ride with lots of variety. It is also a
> transit success story as the some of the state
> representatives from the NY metro areas said it
> would be a waste of money and never amount to
> anything and yet it exceeded projections in the
> first year of operation. From Trenton you can
> either ride back on the River Line again or ride
> SEPTA on the North East Corridor.
>
> I also liked riding the Market- Frankfort
> Elevated. It is on an elevated for much of the
> length and runs pretty fast. The El cars still
> have a railfan seat. At the north end there are
> trolleybus routes, or trackless-trolleys in
> Philadelphia. Philadelphia is one of only five
> cities in the United States operating
> trolleybuses. I never got to ride the trolleybuses
> as they were not operating for at least five years
> or so in the mid-2000's when I was there
> last. Right now the 15 Girard line that had PCC
> cars operating is operating with buses. 
>
> Philadelphia isn't one of my favorite cities for
> various reasons. I haven't been there as much as
> other places or as recent but these are some of
> things I liked. 
>
> Jim

Where do I catch the trolley buses at?

The three remaining trolleybus routes are at the north end of the Market Frankfort Subway at Arrott or Frankfort. 
59 Castor-Bustleton to Arrott Transportation Center Catch at Arrott Transportation Center
66 Frankford-Knights to Frankford Transporation Center Catch at Frankfort Transportation Center
75 Wayne Junction to Arrott Transportation Center Catch at Arrott Transportation Center

If you look closely you'll notice the bus symbol is different for the trolleybus routes and then it is for the regular bus routes on the schedules. After several failed attempts I gave up and have never rode the trolleybus system but I have friends who really love the Philadelphia trolleybus system. 

http://www.septa.org/

Have Fun!

Jim 

I didnt say a lot about the P&W (Norristown high speed line), but it is interesting too.  One of the last Interurban lines left..it runs on overrunning 3rd rail.
Leaving 69th st you pass over the lead to the 69th st shopp, which will be off to your right,,,and then the P&W shops off to your left. 

The lis was originally built to be a cometitor to the PRR out to Chicago, but never got very far.  The ROW was built for 4 tracks, out to Villanova  Jct, but never had more than 2 tracks except for some rush hour turn back tracks.

There's no more Junction at Villanova Jct...the track just curve off to the right, and its all 2 track row ovr hills and curves, to Bridgport PA.  Then a massive single track bridge over the Schuykill River to Norristown.  The line ued to continue all the way to Allentown, but that parts been OOS since the 60's.

The are still several freight sidings along the RR. Last time there was a revenue freight shipment i thing was the 1980's.  Now I think they are just used for Maintenance vehicle layup.

For years, the smaller station had "flag stop signals".  When u got to the station (departing), you pushed a button that illiuminated a white target signal at the end of the platform, telling to train operator that there was someone waiting for the train.  Otherwise, if there was no wanting to get off the train at the station, the train wouldnt stop.   My guess is that SEPTA did away with that.

 

pdt Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>
> For years, the smaller station had "flag stop
> signals".  When u got to the station (departing),
> you pushed a button that illiuminated a white
> target signal at the end of the platform, telling
> to train operator that there was someone waiting
> for the train.  Otherwise, if there was no
> wanting to get off the train at the station, the
> train wouldnt stop.   My guess is that SEPTA did
> away with that.
>
>  

Your comment prompted me to look it up and, sure enough, I found this on septa’s website:

“Effective Monday, December 7, 2020, the use of Passenger Advance Lights will be discontinued on the line. All trains will service station stops to accommodate visible passengers who wish to board at the stations they are scheduled to service.”

I wonder why they made the change?

Posted from iPhone

Probably a light bulb burned out, someone got bypassed, complained to someone influential, and so they stopped the practice. 

Small correction, P & W never went north of Norristown. The Lehigh Valley Transit is what operated Allentown to 69th Street then cut back to Norristown after WWII. Lehigh Valley Transit used 600 v DC overhead trolley contact. They did operate lightweight streamlined interurban cars, including ones bought used from Midwestern interurbans. The interurban rail operation ceased in 1951 or 52.

That's sad on the flag stop lights being discontinued on the Norristown High Speed Line. It was neat throwback. 

Jim

I second the motion on the RiverLine; and keep an eye out for Conrail's PRR-painted Juniata Terminal switcher.

Late to the party, but as someone who has visited Philadelphia several times in the past 25 years, the most recent of which was in 2018, I agree with suggestions made by the previous posters.  My typical railfanning experience was riding a circle trip involving a Regional Rail from Center City to Norristown, the Norristown High-Speed Line to the 69th Street Terminal and the Market-Franford elevated line back to Center City and then one "new" regional rail line such as the West Trenton Line one year and the Lansdale Line another year.

I definitely recommend visiting the Reading Market - one of my favorite public spaces in Pennsylvania!  As antracite noted above, the Pennsylvania Convention Center is located above the Reading Market.  At the entrance to the convention center, there are a couple of display kisoks with historical information about the Reading Company and the terminal.

In addition to the PCC car on display at 1234 Market Street, there is a SEPTA gift store.  One can buy all kinds of SEPTA memorabilia and the store has a large selection of transit and railroad books.  According to SEPTA's website, the store is closed until furthe notice.  Perhaps it will reopen by the of your visit.

Pennengineer mentions the elevated Rail Park.  Although the Rail Park is much shorter than the High Line in New York City, it does a better job of incorporating narrative and artwork which commemorates Philadelphia's railroad and industrial history.

Jefferson Station (named for a medical center) is the main Regional Rail station in Center City.  Opened in 1984, it is a modern facility.  I like the look of platform area.  Suburban Station has a beatiful Art Deco exterior.  As noted earlier in this thread, 30th Street Station is definitely worth checking out (at a minimum try to work in a ride on the Region Rail system between 30th Street and one of the Center City stations).

You may also want to check the recently upgraded City Hall Station where the Market - Frankford and Broad Street rapid transit lines intersect and also served by the trolley lines.

No one has ever given me problems when photographing trains, buses or stations in Philadelphia.  However, as all my photography was accomplished when transferring from one line to another or while laying over for a return trip, I was never in any one location for an extended period of time.

A non-railfan tip - for anyone who is an American history buff, Philadelphia is a great city for a visit.  I have never been to another city with so many historic markers.  There are several history museums/sites such as Independence Hall, the Constitution Center and a Ben Franklin museum.





 

As someone mentioned above, the Independence Pass is a must - one flat fee will cover you on all the rail transit modes on SEPTA for a day.

Here are two of my favorite "loops":

Starting at 30th Street Station, take the Media line out to the Media stop.  Walk about a half mile to the Media trolley.  Take it the entire distance to the 69th Street Terminal.  From there take the Norristown High Speed line to the end at Norristown.  Walk down from the elevated platforn to the ex-Reading rail station and ride it back to 30th Street.

OR

This one is shorter - Take the Chesnut Hill West line to the end.  Walk about a half mile and take the Chesnut Hill East line back into Philly.  One line is ex-PRR the other ex-Reading.

The third loop involves multiple agencies so you have to buy multiple tickets - the SEPTA pass won't work:
Take the Trenton line to Trenton, NJ.  Walk across the street and take NJTransit's RiverLine.  You can either get off at the connection to the Atlantic City line and catch a train back to 30th Street over the Delair Bridge (you need to check the timetable as AC Line service is somewhat infrequent) or continue into Camden to the Walter Rand Transportation Center and take PATCO back into Philly - you will need to transfer to a Market Street subway as PATCO does not go all the way back to 30th Street.

A fourth possibility involves Uber.  Take a West Trenton train to the end at West Trenton.  You then need to have an Uber take you into Trenton and then either take a SEPTA train back to 30th Street or the River Line per suggestion #3.

Philly is a lot of fun to ride because there are so many "loop" possibilites rather than having to do only out and back trips.

Tim

Adding to Rule G's post above re historical sites, add the Philadelphia Mint; it's a short walk from Independence Hall. And thanks to all posters for using the REAL name of 30th Street Station, not the PC abomination.

I can recommend two books that can provide both the native and the visitor with an understanding of SEPTA and the Philadelphia rail and transit network. Both would help the rider or observer understand what they are seeing and draw attention to points of rail related interest.. Both books include ample text,  maps and are well illustrated with photographs. Trains, Trolleys & Traction by Williams was published by Railpace. The newer book, SEPTA Rail Operations in Color by Taremae and Murrey was published by Morning Sun.