SEPTA convened with elected officials and stakeholders today to inaugurate the new Wissahickon Transportation Center, poised to significantly enhance the passenger experience at the bustling Ridge Avenue bus station.
“This state-of-the-art transportation center will make bus service more convenient and reliable for the thousands of individuals in Northwest Philadelphia neighborhoods who depend on buses for commuting to work, school, and other activities,” stated SEPTA Board Chairman Pasquale T. Deon Sr.
This project marks a significant expansion of the existing Wissahickon Transportation Center, substantially improving operations, safety, and accessibility. The enhancements include the construction of boarding areas compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, new signage, and weather protection. Furthermore, the modernized facility will streamline passenger connections and provide improved amenities for bus operators, such as restrooms and break rooms.
“With approximately 7,200 daily passenger trips pre-COVID, this facility manages more daily activity than all but one of our non-Center City Regional Rail stations,” noted Leslie S. Richards, SEPTA General Manager and CEO. “SEPTA’s bus network has seen the strongest ridership rebound across all modes, currently reaching 70% of pre-COVID levels. As we continue to recover from the pandemic, the new Wissahickon Transportation Center will play a vital role in SEPTA’s Bus Revolution initiative.”
The Bus Revolution, a cornerstone of SEPTA Forward – SEPTA’s strategic plan – represents a comprehensive redesign of the bus network. Alongside other SEPTA Forward initiatives like Trolley Modernization and Reimagining Regional Rail, it champions and strengthens regional growth, connecting people with opportunities.
“This critical transportation hub will improve the lives of thousands of bus riders,” remarked Mayor Jim Kenney. “It will enable SEPTA to expand and add routes, opening up new commuting possibilities for Philadelphia residents from North and Northeast Philadelphia to locations in West Philadelphia, Montgomery County, and Delaware County. Thank you to SEPTA for bringing us closer to our vision of a city connected by public transportation.”
“Public transportation is an essential public service, and projects like the Wissahickon Transportation Center make it easier, safer, and more convenient for all users to access public transit,” said Mike Carroll, PennDOT Secretary. “PennDOT is proud to celebrate this groundbreaking today and is committed to partnering with local communities and transportation agencies like SEPTA to improve public transportation access across Pennsylvania.”
“I am thrilled to see construction begin today on the expansion of the Wissahickon Transportation Center,” stated Representative Tarik Khan (D-Philadelphia). “We deserve a robust public transportation system equipped to meet the needs of our thriving Northwest Philadelphia community. As your state representative, I am committed to fostering many more projects like this that will modernize our public transit infrastructure, improve the SEPTA rider experience, and bring good union jobs to our community.”
“Today’s groundbreaking truly represents the culmination of a collaborative effort between the city, the state, and especially the community,” said Philadelphia City Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr. “The expanded transportation center will empower commuters with a greater array of route and destination options, connecting them to employment, educational opportunities, and leisure activities. Thank you to SEPTA for your vision and efforts in making this happen.”
Construction on the approximately $45 million project is anticipated to be completed in 2025. Work will be phased to minimize disruptions to bus service, as well as vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic. The existing Wissahickon Transportation Center will remain operational throughout the construction period of the new facility.
For further information about SEPTA, please visit septa.org, follow @SEPTA on Twitter, or download the official SEPTA app.
