Philadelphia is “the City of Neighborhoods,” and one of the best ways to get around them is by using the network of trains, subways, buses and trolleys at its backbone. Drexel University sits in West Philly, one of the best transit-connected parts of the city, putting students within easy reach of the region and the East Coast. With no shortage of destinations, the only question is: how do you get there? To help, here is a crash course on the services you are most likely to use.
Fares & SEPTA Key
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority manages the majority of Philly’s public transportation. Riding SEPTA is not free, however, there are built-in savings for anyone who pays their fare using contactless methods. The cash fare to take any SEPTA bus, trolley or subway route is $2.50. The same goes for a Quick Trip ticket purchased at a Metro station fare kiosk. Meanwhile, the fare when paying with a contactless method is $2.00.
Fares can be paid contactlessly by credit or debit card, Apple or Samsung Pay or the SEPTA Key. The Key functions like a debit card. Users can load money onto the card at a kiosk, online or through the app.
The SEPTA Key also comes with literal perks. Showing your Key at businesses all over the region can get you discounts.
Essential Routes
SEPTA operates buses, trolleys, subways and heavy rail. Schedules and maps for all are available online. Here are some of the essential routes a Drexel student should know.
Subways (SEPTA Metro)
SEPTA operates two subway routes: the Market-Frankford Line (MFL, L or Blue Line) and the Broad Street Line (BSL, B or Orange Line). They run roughly east-west and north-south, respectively.
The MFL runs from 69th Street Transportation Center in Upper Darby to Frankford TC along Market Street, Front Street and Kensington Ave. It stops on campus at 34th Street and Drexel Station at 30th Street. There are no stops between 30th Street and 15th Street / City Hall, making the L the quickest way to Center City from Drexel. A free transfer is available to the Broad Street Line and Subway-Surface Trolleys at City Hall.
The BSL runs from NRG Station in South Philly to Fern Rock Transportation Center in North Philly. Destinations include Temple University, the Kimmel Center and the Sports Complex. Be aware of express trains that skip stops and trains taking the Broad-Ridge Spur.
Subway-Surface Trolleys (SEPTA Metro)
The Subway-Surface Trolleys are five lines that travel underground from City Hall and fan out onto surface streets in West Philly: the 10, 34, 13, 11 and 36. Under SEPTA Metro, these are being rebranded as T1 through T5, respectively, though trolleys still display the old numbers.
Between 33rd Street Station on campus and 13th Street Station, all trolleys serve all stops. From 33rd Street, take any eastbound trolley for Center City. From Center City, take any westbound to reach campus. However, west of 33rd Street Station, the lines diverge.
The trolleys make Center City stops skipped by the MFL at 22nd Street and 19th Street Stations along Market Street. When nearing your stop, be sure to request your stop by pulling the yellow cord above the windows, or using the black buttons above the rear door. If disembarking by the rear doors, be sure to step down. The top step is a pressure plate that opens the rear door, and the driver does not manually open them.
Regional Rail
The Regional Rail is the best way to reach destinations in the wider Philadelphia region. It is a commuter heavy-rail network that connects the city to its suburbs. Consequently, schedules are oriented towards weekday commuter travel, and off-peak service can be limited.
Regional Rail has its own fare structure, with pricier tickets to travel to further fare zones or during rush hours. You can view the schedules for all lines online. Be aware of express trains at certain times that may skip stops. Some stations are also served by multiple lines.
While train fares can be purchased at kiosks or on the train with cash or card, paying with the SEPTA Key costs less. If you plan to pay with your Key, be sure to Tap-Ride-Tap: tap your Key at the card reader when boarding, ride to your destination and tap at the card reader when you get off. Otherwise, you may be charged the maximum fare!
The Airport Line offers 24/7 service to Philadelphia International Airport, half-hourly on weekdays and hourly on weekends.
Take the Trenton Line to the Trenton Transportation Center to connect with NJ Transit trains to North Jersey and New York City.
Bus Routes
Buses are the workhorse of SEPTA’s network, with over 100 routes. They make up the most local form of transportation, with stops as frequent as every city block. West Philly, and especially campus, are well-served by buses.
Other Ways to Save
Drexel also operates its own campus shuttles, albeit with limited service. The Dragon Route, or Center City Loop, runs weekdays from Nesbitt Hall and stops at Vine & Broad Street, 19th & Arch Street and 22nd & Market after 6:00 p.m. It isn’t the most convenient for Center City travel, but it is free to students with a DragonCard. For information on the Dragon Route, Powelton/Spring Garden Route and Queen Lane Route, use the TripShot app.
Public Transportation is the Way To Go
Access to public transportation is one of the greatest advantages to living in the city, and with Drexel near the epicenter of transit in Philly, students are spoiled for choice. With service by SEPTA, Amtrak, NJ Transit and more, there is no shortage of ways to get to local and regional destinations without access to a car.
While there is a learning curve to taking public transit, especially for those who haven’t before, remember that there are many resources to help you plan a trip, and that if you are polite, the drivers, conductors and transit ambassadors you’ll encounter will be happy to help you. Also remember that much of the city takes the bus, train or trolley every day: with time, trial and error, it can become second nature for anyone.