Extended Route 53 Service

February 16, 2016

SEPTA Service Planning

Updated February 18, 2016

Beginning, Sunday, February 21, 2016 SEPTA Bus Route 53 will launch service on a 2.5 mile extension in North Philadelphia, enhancing transit availability to the neighborhoods of Feltonville, Juniata Park and Hunting Park. The extension will operate along East Hunting Park Avenue.

“We are pleased to offer new bus service to residents and businesses along this growing corridor,” said SEPTA General Manager Jeffrey D. Knueppel. “Economic development in this area has led to increased demand for service. As part of our Annual Service Plan process, we conducted a thorough ridership review, and we believe this extension will help meet current and future transit needs along East Hunting Park Avenue.”

Previously, Route 53 service operated between West Mount Airy and Hunting Park Station on the Broad Street Line via Wayne Avenue. The new extension adds direct service to a growing array of business and cultural services along the corridor, such as Concilio, the La Fortaleza Complex and the Esperanza Academy Charter School.

The service extension will also enhance area travel options by providing transfers to-and-from Bus Routes 4, 47, 57 and 89, and new Broad Street Line connections. A total of 22 new stops will be added to the Route 53; the majority have been placed at signalized intersections, which reduces the potential for pedestrian and vehicle conflicts.

“SEPTA's extension of Hunting Park Avenue's Route 53 is enthusiastically welcomed,” said Philadelphia City Councilwoman Maria Quiñones Sánchez, whose district includes the corridor. “This will provide greater accessibility to businesses and neighborhoods along the thoroughfare, as well as provide more travel options to and from the Broad Street Line. This route extension was much needed for those in our community who depend on public transportation."

To view a video explanation of the Route 53 changes, click here. 

Service from Wayne & Carpenter Lane to G St. & Hunting Park Ave.

WEEKDAYS

-     From 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. (every other trip to G St. & Hunting Park)

-     From 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Service will NOT operate on Lycoming St & Old York Rd. to Broad St.(ALL service will end at G St. & Hunting Park)

-     From 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (every other trip to G St. & Hunting Park)

WEEKENDS:

-     From 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. (every other trip to G St. & Hunting Park)

-     From 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Service will NOT operate on Lycoming St & Old York Rd. to Broad St.(ALL service will end at G St. & Hunting Park)

-     From 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (every other trip to G St. & Hunting Park)

Service from Wayne & Carpenter Lane to Broad St. & Hunting Park Ave.

WEEKDAYS:

-     From 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. (every other trip to Broad & Hunting Park)

-     From 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Service will NOT operate on Lycoming St & Old York Rd. to Broad St.(ALL service will end at G St. & Hunting Park)

-     From 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (every other trip to Broad & Hunting Park)

WEEKENDS:

-     From 5:15 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. (ALL trips to Broad & Hunting Park)

-     From 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Service will NOT operate on Lycoming St & Old York Rd. to Broad St.(ALL service will end at G St. & Hunting Park)

-     From 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (every other trip to Broad & Hunting Park)

Additional Resources:

-     Download the PDF brochure (English and Spanish) here

-     Download the February 21 Route 53 PDF timetable here

-     View other Bus and Trolley routes with schedules changes Sunday, February 21 and Monday, February 22 here