Gas-free transit
Although commuting by SEPTA does not provide the fitness benefits of a bike or skateboard, SEPTA rides are cheaper week to week than filling up the gas tank of a four-wheeler.
Established in 1964, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority provides public - transit services for Bucks,
Getting to work on SEPTA can cost as little as $14.50 a week for one vehicle each way, while riders who pay $78 for a monthly TransPass can use as many routes as desired.
Last year, SEPTA's network of city and suburban buses, light rail, subway and regional-rail trains totaled 301 million rides. SEPTA also offers trackless-trolley service, which are much like buses, and paratransit vehicles for handicapped riders.
Riders don't have to worry about overcrowded buses or trains, with SEPTA's 2,664 vehicles on hand as of 2007. Parking isn't a problem either, with plenty of lots around SEPTA train stations.
On buses, seating capacity ranges from 39 to 60 seats, depending on the size of the bus.
SEPTA, one of the nation's largest transportation agencies, provides options depending on what kind of trip riders want to take.
You can mix and match modes of travel on SEPTA with personal options like biking, skateboarding and walking. Many bike trails are near SEPTA stations. Buses are equipped with bike racks that can store up to two bicycles. Motorized vehicles are not permitted on SEPTA vehicles.
Bikes are allowed on regional-rail trains, the Market-Frankford and Broad Street lines and the Route 100 line to Norristown during off-peak hours — before 6 a.m., between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. and after 6 p.m. Bikes are permitted any time on weekends and major holidays.
All modes are air-conditioned, so the temperature will be as cool as a car. And as for speed, buses operate at the posted speed limit, but railcars can hit speeds up to 70 miles per hour on the regional-rail system.
For more information, call 215-580-7800 or visit www.septa.com.
— Joshua Mellman
