SEPTA extends 24-hour weekend subway/el service

SEPTA will extend its pilot 24-hour weekend service on the Broad Street and Market-Frankford Lines through Nov. 2, the transit agency announced Tuesday.

SEPTA said the extension will give it an opportunity to evaluate the service during the fall ridership season while at the same time possibly attract new riders returning from summer vacations.

The transit agency launched the pilot June 15 and planned to operate it until Labor Day. During the pilot, trains replaced Nite Owl buses on Fridays and Saturdays and on holidays. Nite Owl buses continue to provide overnight service on weekdays.

This summer, ridership increased by 50 percent or more on both lines on most weekends during the extended service hours, SEPTA said.

General Manager Joseph M. Casey said the agency wants to see if additional ridership and the associated increase in fare revenues will help offset the operating costs of the overnight service. That will be a key factor in determining whether the service will be extended beyond Nov. 2, he said.