“Love doesn’t make the world go ’round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.” - Franklin P. Jones
All aboard the Love Train! Or Bus! Or Trolley! Did you know a love connection is made almost everyday on SEPTA? Might seem hard to believe, but we have TRUE LOVE STORIES from REAL SEPTA RIDERS - all of which are inspiring, romantic, heartwarming and proof that you can find [lasting] love on SEPTA. Just think, the next person you cross paths with on the platform, lock eyes with on the El, or brush shoulders with on the bus could be your true love...
For inspiration, check out the stories below. Have your own SEPTA Love Story? Send it to [email protected] and we'll post it for all to see and share!!
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
James: When I was 24, my roommate introduced me to a girl. She was the most beautiful person I had ever seen in my life. As I fumbled through small talk, trying to keep my cool, I found out that she worked downtown. I also worked in Center City, taking the R5 from Glenside. Turns out she boarded a later train from Jenkintown. I said, “That’s so funny…that’s the train take that I take,” and from that day forward I would always be a little late to work because I drove to Jenkintown instead of walking to the train at Glenside on the off chance I would get to spend even a little more time with her. It was worth it. Soon I became “Train Friend Jim” and then just Jim. I knew I wanted to marry her the moment we met, but when it came time to ask her I knew the right place to pop the question. I made up some excuse to get her over to Stazi Milano which was then still at the Jenkintown train station. We sat on the bench outside for a moment and I looked at her and said, "It’s crazy…this is where it all started for us. I think we should start the next part of our life together here as well.” I knelt down right there at the station and asked, "Would make me the happiest man in the world?”. 15 happy years, 2 houses, 3 kids, 3 dogs, 2 guinea pigs, and 1 fairly charming hamster later I still take the train from Jenkintown. I see that bench every day and smile and wonder how I got so lucky. ❤️
Jacqueline: I take the regional rail to work every day. One morning I sat next to a very attractive gentleman with an incredible beard. I had my headphones in and you could see on my phone screen which band I was listening to. He tapped on my shoulder and mentioned that I was listening to his favorite band and that he had tickets to see them in a few weeks. We chatted for the rest of the ride and right before I got off the train, he handed me his number and said "text me if you'd like to see that band with me. I have an extra ticket." I texted him as soon as I got to my office that day! We talked nonstop for the next three weeks until that concert. I didn't see him on the train again (turns out he was not a regular commuter!). We really hit it off at the show and it was the absolute best first date I've ever had. We dated for two years, got engaged and got married on March 17, 2017! ❤️
Eugenia: My husband and I met at 30th street station on 2/5/2001 in the middle of a surprise snow storm that hit the city. It was after 8pm; the trains were not running, and I, being a Temple freshman and fairly new to commuting, was cold and scared. I saw a guy who looked familiar, I recognized him from Philmont train station so I decided to start talking to him because if he found a way home I would too. We ended up talking until we finally made it to Philmont (a few hours later) and were train buddies for a year until we officially began dating. Fast forward - we've been married for 12 years and have two girls! A late or suspended train isn't always a bad thing ;) ❤️
Becki: I was running late for work one day and ran onto the subway at Spring Garden. I like to be on the first carriage as it's the one closest to the exit at AT&T station so I walked through the train to the right carriage. Sat down and out the corner of my eye a guy was looking at me through squinted eyes so I put my headphones in (no music just needed to look like I was busy).He got up, came sat behind me, started tapping me on the shoulder, i ignored it! Tapped me 2nd time, I ignored him again. Tapped me a 3rd time and this time it was harder so I took out my headphones and said "what?" He asked if I recognized him, said my name - I lied and no it was Claire. He called me out that I was lying and that we had in fact been talking / met on a dating app for a month prior - I had avoided going out on a date! 3 days later we went on our first date, 3 months later he told me he loved me and we've been together since then! ❤️
Francisco: I met my fiancé on the MFL. She bumped me so hard, she knocked my coffee I just got from Dunkin' Donuts out my hands! And got angry at me for being in her way! I apologized deeply to her! After that incident we became closer and fell in love! That was a year and a half ago. We got married in July 2017. ❤️
Stephanie: In August of 2009 I was waiting at the 67 Bus Stop to catch the bus to work.There was one other person at the bus stop. A cute guy around my age holding a fishing rod. He asked me if I knew what time the bus was coming and our conversation continued from there. We always say he "reeled in" more than fish that day as he also reeled me in. Our love is going strong and we were married on 12-16-16. Our story proves you can find love while riding SEPTA. ❤️
Martin: I recognized a girl I went to college with on the Regional Rail and sat next to her because she was wearing a sweatshirt with the University's name on it. We talked from Torresdale Station to Suburban Station and ended up planning a date for later that week. We spoke about how we both live in Northeast Philadelphia, and that she takes the train every day to work! After that, I began to see her on the train every day and it made my mornings much more pleasant! We have been dating for two years and are moving in together. Thanks, SEPTA! ❤️
Troi: About a year ago I reconnected with my high school sweetheart via Septa BSL. We were both on our way down Center City, we both ended up canceling our prior plans and hanging out together. We've been dating ever since. ❤️
Kristen: I met my husband at the Girard stop on the Frankford El in 2002. It was September and I had just moved to Philadelphia to attend Temple University. That semester, I took a theater class that required roaming all over the city to see plays and musicals for the course. I had used SEPTA a few times, but wasn't too familiar with it, and so while I made it to the play easily on the subway, I ended up getting lost on my way back. I accidentally got off at the Girard stop on the Market-Frankford Line instead of the Girard stop on the Orange Line. Whoops! I must have looked confused (after exiting the train and not recognizing the stop), because a handsome young man in a black hooded sweatshirt approached and asked if I was lost and if he could help. He showed me how to cross over to the other side of the track and gave me directions to the Orange Line and Temple. Then, he smiled and left. I sat on the opposite side of the track, waiting for the Westbound train to take me back toward Temple. Little did I know, the handsome stranger had left the subway and walked down to street level, only to have a change of heart. He climbed back up the stairs on the west side of the street, swiped his TransPass, and found me on the opposite platform bench. The two of us officially introduced ourselves while I waited for the train to arrive. His name was Paul, and he was a Temple student as well! He wrote his telephone number down on the back of a pay stub and handed it to me just as the train approached. We married in October of 2008 and a few days ago - February 14th, 2017 was our 15th Valentine's Day together. The two of us and our sweet pit bull Gloria now live a block from that Girard El stop. We sit on that platform where we met (and where we've sat together countless times) and we'll always be thankful for Septa, chance encounters, and most of all - each other. Thank you! ❤️
Jamye: Once upon a time, on the Regional Rail Media/Elwyn Line, there were two recent college graduates living at their parents houses and commuting daily into center city for work. We each thought the other looked familiar, but couldn't place why. One day, I gained the courage to sit next to him on the train and we quickly connected. Turns out, we went to the same high school! We graduated different years and never crossed paths... until SEPTA brought us together. We fell in love with the city and with each other and are now living together in Manayunk. We may have never found each other if it wasn't for our shared commute on the Regional Rail! ❤️
Rick: I was sleepy-eyed that late April morning in 2014 as I made my way to the platform at 30th Station to begin my journey to New York City. Awaiting the SEPTA Regional Rail that would take me to Trenton, where I would transfer and continue my trip, the excitement of going to see my first Flyers playoff game against the rival New York Rangers was jolting me awake. Little did I know that later that same day, I would meet the beautiful woman that would become my girlfriend just four short months later. After spending the day cheering on the Flyers in enemy territory (sadly they lost), it was time to make my way back home to Philadelphia. Luckily, I sat right across the aisle from this gorgeous dark-haired girl with a "don't mess with me look" to her. In a chatty mood, I did my best to strike up a conversation with her on the first leg of my return journey. We exchanged pleasantries and made small talk, being careful not to reveal too much information (trying hard to keep our guards up). As I seamlessly switched trains at the Trenton Transit Center, I thought, "Well, that was nice," knowing I was not likely see her again. After we started out from the station, a quick glance around the SEPTA train car would prove me wrong - there she was just two rows behind me! I sprung from my seat and plunked down next to her to pick up where we left off - I had to know more. Though the ride went by a little too quickly and I was not able to get her number, I was sure to give her mine, along with a tip that my birthday was coming up later that week. We went our separate ways and I had to convince myself to try to forget about the girl from the train. I almost did until I received a text message on my birthday that read, "Happy Birthday train buddy." We quickly made plans to meet at Monk's Cafe to double check our instincts from the train ride. We must have been right, because here we are, living together in South Philadelphia, commuting on the Broad Street Line to our jobs together, and about to celebrate our third Valentine's Day together. Thanks SEPTA <3 ❤️
Shanee: My chocolate GOD and I met in the sub. I was on my way to class @ Temple U & he caught my eye. He sat next 2 me on the bench & said "wow, you look beautiful. You could be my wife". I laughed & jumped on the local. I tried to ignore him @ first, then he decided to sit right in front of me. He asked for my name, staring at me w/ his big brown eyes. I gave him a fake one lol. We've ALL done it! I gave him a celebrity name, and he said I sounded a little like her - Remy lol. He said "I can be ya Papoose. He held her down for a minute. You want a dude like me". Could not argue w/ that! I was cracking up! He told me how much he liked my smile & how he wanted to make me laugh more often. He wanted my number 2 stops before mine, but if course I had to play hard to get. Once my stop arrived, I got up & walked while he followed me asking for my #. I yelled it to the sub door where my future husband was sticking his gorgeous head of hair out of. It was good to know he really wanted it lol. 1 month later, I moved in with him. He is my everything, my guide, my teacher, my bestest friend. I'm glad I rode the Sub that day. ❤️
Rob: After boarding a train one day, I noticed a new, very beautiful girl on the train. I could tell she noticed me as well. We exchanged glances and smiles for several months. One day, a broken train allowed us to talk to each other. Although we didn't officially go on a date for the next few months, I knew she was special. After she asked me out one afternoon on a train ride home, we have been together and inseparable ever since. I proposed to her in the concourse of Suburban Station one morning. That was the spot where we always kissed goodbye before going to work. We have been married for 4 years in June. We also have 2 year old twins. Although our commute is much different in the morning that it used to be. We credit SEPTA for our love and family. ❤️
Sejal: I was thrilled when I found out my high school sweetheart would be attending Drexel University as it was en route to my college, University of Sciences in Philadelphia. The travel on SEPTA from hopping on the 14 to Frankford TC to catching the El to the tough goodbye as he got off at 34th and I still had to ride the trolley to my final destination will always be in our memories. Riding together was truly precious: conversations flirtatious and when it was too quiet we held hands and looked at each other magically. Riding SEPTA was something we looked forward too and continued to do so for 5 years. The journey created so many deep memories that we continue to discuss it years later and we hope to share with our boys (ages 4 and 6) someday. ❤️
Andrew: When I came to Philadelphia, it was a very stressful and hard move and adjusting to my new city was really tough, especially because I had given up my car. I ended up on the 9 bus from Roxborough to Center City every morning and every night. About a week into my new commute I noticed a really beautiful girl coming to the bus stop at the same time as me. We would always get on at the same stop in Roxborough and get off at the same spot in Center City. It took about two weeks, but I finally worked up the nerve to start up a conversation with her. I'm glad I did because we've been dating for almost four years, we have a great dog and we've traveled all over the world together! We're going to get married in August and it's all because we used the same bus! And, yes, we still take it together almost daily. ❤️
Judith: I met my husband Michael on Valentines Day at 15th Street on the Market Frankford Line Platform on Valentines Day 1972. He asked me what I did for excitement and I have to say that at first I was hesitant but then accepted his offer for a date. We were engaged by April of 1972. I was from Mayfair and he was from Port Richmond. The rest is history. We have been married since April 14, 1973 and have 2 grown children. It was fate that I was on the platform that day and also that it was Valentines Day. ❤️
Victoria: Michael and I met on the Broad Street Line on Labor Day weekend of 2013. We ended up sitting next to each other on the south bound train, talking sports rivalries (as Mike is a devoted Philadelphia Eagles/Phillies fan) as we eventually made our way to Morgan's Pier. Three years later, he would take me back to Morgan's Pier to propose, and now 4 years later, we are getting married in a Philly! Thanks SEPTA for introducing me to Mike on the BSL all those years ago. :) ❤️
Matthew: Well I met my wife on a SEPTA bus 25 years ago and now with 4 kids later we are still married! ❤️
Rebecca: New Years Eve 2014 into 2015 I was with friends riding the El to a party in Center City from 69th Street when a man walked on at 34th Street & sat behind me. I jokingly turned to him and asked, "Want to be my 2015 boyfriend?" He replied yes and played along. As I was getting off at my stop he asked for my phone number. Two years later we are happily living together. It truly was a Miracle on 34th Street! ❤️
Linda: This love story dates back to 1943. My father had been visiting a friend and happened to see my mother waiting for the trolley. The next day, he walked blocks out of his way to wait with her and ride the trolley to her stop. Then he had to walk many blocks back to get home. They rode the trolley together every day, and they slowly became friends until he had the nerve to ask her out. She had no idea that he was riding the wrong trolley just to be with her! It must be have worked. They were happily married for over 40 years. Although they have both since passed, I credit those trolley rides as starting their romance. ❤️
Jolanda: One day 4 years ago I usually take my car but that day decided to take the bus. I took the R and the operator that day waited for me as I was running. He smiled and as I asked him directions we locked eyes and knew it was love at first sight. We've been inseparable since and we can't wait to spend the rest of our lives together and our family. If it wasn't for me riding the bus I would have never found Sammy the love of my life. Thank you SEPTA! ❤️
Damaris: Yes I met my true love on the SEPTA. I had just moved here from Orlando and I was riding to a doctor appt when as soon I saw her, her eyes hypnotized me. She just had that look that made me melt. I had to start a conversation with her. It's been 8 months together since then and I can say happily engaged. We are getting married on July 15, 2017. We are proud lesbians, One Love! Love wins! ❤️
Peggy: I met the love of my life on the 107 Briarcliff. My beloved Pete would sit behind me and do the silliest things including pulling my hair! To get my attention! Soon we would stop for coffee in the mornings when we reached 69th street and as the days rolled on I would find him waiting for me at 5 pm in the terminal. We were together for 30 years sadly I lost him in 2009 as I write this I can remember the sights and sounds of that 107 bus and the terminal! How I long for those days! ❤️
Melody: I met the love of my life on SEPTA bus #33. It was chilly and we were sitting next to each other complaining about the heat not being turned on. Out of nowhere, he tells me I'm beautiful and he gives me a rose. We exchanged names & numbers and went out on our 1st date. Over wine & sushi, we talked about our future plans and decided to start dating. Ever since our 1st date, we soon fell in love, and now we are happily married for 2 years. ❤️
Jena: I met the love of my life on SEPTA. Locked eyes on the bus a few times, smiled at each other, and we even got off at the same bus stop. Not sure if it was fate or not but 3 and a half years later we are still together in a very happy and understanding relationship. ❤️
Gloria: I found love on SEPTA. My boyfriend and I met at the 57 stop in Dec 2015. We met every day at the same time and at the same stop. We worked down the street from one another and it turns out we live 9 blocks from each other as well...We built a friendship at first we talked for several months on the 57 and the 18. Long conversations that were very intimate. I was getting out of a bad relationship. I just needed a friend then that friendship led to our first date in June 2016. We knew from our first date we wanted to be together. If it wasn't for SEPTA..I wouldn't be able to go to work and I wouldn't have met my soul mate. Thank you SEPTA. ❤️
Lisa: My (now) husband and I were friends for years before we started dating. In 2003, when we were just friends, we worked together and would often take the #10 trolley from 36th Street to our respective stops in Center City. Then one day, while on the train, something changed. We locked eyes, and he kissed me goodbye when we reached his stop. I was beyond smitten. We’ve been together ever since, have been married since 2009, and have 2 incredible kids. To this day, every time I see the #10, I can't help but smile. Thanks SEPTA! ❤️
Happy riding!
