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Tuesday, May 26, 2009

More airports add PHL-like transit links
An article today about U.S. airports that are adding rail links for passengers barely mentions PHL, one of the first airports to have a rail line that connects directly to a metro area's public transport system, but still includes some useful inforrmation for travelers. The USA Today story mentions PHL last in a list of eight of the 20 largest airports with rail links similar to what's available at many airports in Europe and Asia.
Posted by Tom BELDEN @ 11:04 AM  Permalink | 5 comments
Comments   
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 11:46 AM, 05/26/2009
    Tom, you don't travel much do you? The Septa airport service "ain't so good" at least compared to other options. It's going to take you 30 mins on the train to get to Center City, and even longer if you need to connect to another line to get to your destination. It's just way too easy to grab a cab, a rental car, or just drive to/from the airport. (Maybe you've noticed all the cars parked on the ramps waiting to pick up arrivals). In other places (e.g. Oakland, Newark, Boston) its often easier to grab the train. With no ill-feelings toward Septa, Philly is just not one of those places.
    — NickEeee
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 5:15 PM, 05/26/2009
    Sure the rail is somewhat convenient, but have you checked the cost? $10 last time I took it to Willow Grove. Same distance in Boston would have been $2.75. Just don't stop and transfer to the subway if you value your life.
    — JusWonderin
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 6:35 PM, 05/26/2009
    $7 is a little expensive for a short journey. Public transport to PHL is always going to be a second opton because of ease with which you can get to it using the road system. I use it if I am leaving on a weekend and am not in any hurry. I will use it on the way back if the train is there or within 5 minutes of going, otherwise it's 15 mins in a cab. There are so many other airports that are just brutal to get in and out of by car (BOS for one!)
    — MarkA
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 7:24 PM, 05/26/2009
    The lines to Dallas airports aren't a sure thing yet. The one to Love Field is over budget, while the one to the bigger airport and much further out, DFW, isn't even laid out an inch and there was recent news about diverting it away from DFW airport and instead to another suburb, Grapevine, just north of that airport.
    — phillyaggie
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 8:59 AM, 05/27/2009
    I agree SEPTA is good but it just doesn't measure up. I usually use the R1 to the airport but only because I have a monthly pass and can usually accept the extra hour it takes vs. driving. Service definitely needs to be increased and the price lowered -- $40 r/t for 2 people is expensive!! It's also no fun climbing aboard in the suburbs with low platforms, and trying to find a spot for your suitcase.
    — Laney


5 comments
About Tom Belden
Tom Belden has been reporting about Philadelphia International Airport and other air travel subjects for more than 20 years, writing columns for The Inquirer's Travel and Business sections. His reporting (with colleague Craig McCoy) on baggage handling problems in Philadelphia have been credited with helping to improve the system. His previous blog was called Road Warrior. He can reached at tbelden@phillynews.com.
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