Plan Proposals
Have you ever woken up to a long commute and wish things were easier? Maybe a station nearby, or a bus route just outside your house that took you where you needed to go? Here are a list of proposals that could have done just that but unfortunately, are only a thought of the past.
Broad Street Line Roosevelt Boulevard Extension
The Roosevelt Boulevard Extension was first proposed by the commissioner of the Department of City Transit, A. Merrit Taylor, in July 1912. The plan would allow service to the city's northeastern suburbs including, Frankford, Mayfair, Rhawnhurst, Bustleton, and Parkwood. The original plan was approved and work began in 1914 up until a lack of funds and war caused a halt on work. It would take another three decades for the plan to be spoken about once again. The plan was revised to go further northeast branching off from Broad St just north of Erie Station. After residents saw the plans for the line, an outrage was made objecting "that it would bring undesirables to the area." This plan was since then scrapped and replaced for a parking lot at Fern Rock Transporation Center. Later in the 1960s, the plan was spoken of again. Work had been done in anticipation of the new line and as a result, a station was built under Adam's Ave and the Boulevard.
King of Prussia Norristown HSL Extension
King of Prussia's Business Improvement District(BID) has been erected for over a decade now. This erection of the BID sparked the revival of on of SEPTA's 50 year old proposals for a rail extension. The cost had grown to $3.02 billion as of last year, and due to funding issues, the proposal had been canceled.
Trolley Makeover
SEPTA is aware of some of the improvements that will be included in the $1.8 billion budget. In May, it issued a request for proposals (RFP) for longer trolley cars with higher capacity. Additionally, SEPTA plans to renovate its current underground stations, create new on-street platforms, and ensure that the entire transportation system is accessible for individuals with disabilities. SEPTA is contemplating the expansion of some of its trolley lines to facilitate smoother transfers for commuters, even though this is not included in the survey questions. The proposed expansion includes a potential new section of Route 102 linking Sharon Hill to Darby, as well as an extension of Route 15, which would allow riders to connect directly to the Market-Frankford Line. Additionally, SEPTA has recently concluded the contract for the procurement of new, contemporary trolley cars that comply fully with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines. These new trolleys will replace the entire aging fleet of trolley vehicles in the mass-transit system. The manufacturer of these new vehicles will be Alstom Transportation Inc. According to SEPTA, these modern trolleys will revolutionize the largest trolley network in the country by making it more accessible, efficient, and user-friendly.
