SEPTA Prepares for Winter Storm by Warning of Slower Service and Possible Cancellations
Ahead of a major winter storm set to hit the Philadelphia area, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) officials are urging riders to expect slower service and possible cancellations on Sunday. With 12-18 inches of snow predicted between Saturday night and Monday morning, SEPTA is bracing for impacts on its operations.
According to SEPTA General Manager Scott Sauer, the transit agency's goal is to operate as much service as possible while providing clear and timely information to help customers make informed travel decisions. However, with sleet and rain forecasted during some stretches, snow and ice accumulation are likely to affect operations.
While the Market-Frankford and Broad Street lines are expected to be the most reliable modes of transportation during the worst weather conditions, other services including buses, trolleys, and Regional Rail will be impacted. Sauer cautioned that trip cancellations and service shutdowns are "almost certainly" on the cards for these services.
Regional Rail plans to maintain its regular Saturday and Sunday schedules for now, but delays are anticipated due to frozen switches and high winds affecting overhead cables and rail infrastructure. Meanwhile, bus service is likely to be delayed or suspended in some cases as snow and ice accumulate.
SEPTA has also announced a diversion for trolleys, which will operate on a planned route through 40th and Market streets until Monday morning at the earliest. In addition, the trolley tunnel between 15th and 40th streets may be shut down depending on conditions, with shuttle buses to serve affected riders.
The Norristown High-Speed line and Media/Sharon Hill line are expected to run normal service on Sunday, but weather-related delays are anticipated. SEPTA hopes to resume normal service on all lines early next week.
By suspending services ahead of the storm, Sauer believes that SEPTA can minimize the risk of its buses and trains getting stranded or damaged. When possible, riders will be given two hours' notice before any service shutdowns, with updates posted on SEPTA's website and app.
Ahead of a major winter storm set to hit the Philadelphia area, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) officials are urging riders to expect slower service and possible cancellations on Sunday. With 12-18 inches of snow predicted between Saturday night and Monday morning, SEPTA is bracing for impacts on its operations.
According to SEPTA General Manager Scott Sauer, the transit agency's goal is to operate as much service as possible while providing clear and timely information to help customers make informed travel decisions. However, with sleet and rain forecasted during some stretches, snow and ice accumulation are likely to affect operations.
While the Market-Frankford and Broad Street lines are expected to be the most reliable modes of transportation during the worst weather conditions, other services including buses, trolleys, and Regional Rail will be impacted. Sauer cautioned that trip cancellations and service shutdowns are "almost certainly" on the cards for these services.
Regional Rail plans to maintain its regular Saturday and Sunday schedules for now, but delays are anticipated due to frozen switches and high winds affecting overhead cables and rail infrastructure. Meanwhile, bus service is likely to be delayed or suspended in some cases as snow and ice accumulate.
SEPTA has also announced a diversion for trolleys, which will operate on a planned route through 40th and Market streets until Monday morning at the earliest. In addition, the trolley tunnel between 15th and 40th streets may be shut down depending on conditions, with shuttle buses to serve affected riders.
The Norristown High-Speed line and Media/Sharon Hill line are expected to run normal service on Sunday, but weather-related delays are anticipated. SEPTA hopes to resume normal service on all lines early next week.
By suspending services ahead of the storm, Sauer believes that SEPTA can minimize the risk of its buses and trains getting stranded or damaged. When possible, riders will be given two hours' notice before any service shutdowns, with updates posted on SEPTA's website and app.
I totally get why you'd wanna travel during a sunny day, but like, winter storms are no joke! 
. But, tbh, 12-18 inches of snow is crazy 
! Can't wait to grab my hot chocolate 
️ and hunker down with a good book while waiting for the storm to pass 
.
. At least they're keeping us in the loop about what's happening 
. I'll def be checking their app for updates all weekend. One thing tho - Regional Rail delays are no joke 
! I'm crossing my fingers that it gets back to normal soon.
. It's gonna be a wild ride, but at least we've got each other 
️
As a retiree, I've had my fair share of snowy days, and some of them were pretty rough. So, I appreciate SEPTA being proactive about keeping riders informed.
.