Message from the General Manager

Joseph M. Casey General Manager

Several weeks ago, SEPTA announced that Route 36 Trolleys would operate with shuttle buses while the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) completed routine, weekend, sewer line repairs on the 6100 block of Elmwood Avenue.

Regrettably, what we all thought was a weekend repair, with a brief disruption in trolley service, turned into a significant sewer reconstruction project with major travel inconvenience for SEPTA customers.

When PWD’s Sewer Maintenance Division dug up the street they discovered that the 1903 sewer had collapsed in two locations and that the damage was too extensive for the crew to repair. They must now bring in a contractor to rebuild the lines and repair the street, which will take about 6 weeks to complete.

We are coordinating with PWD on their repairs. Our track personnel will work along side their contractor to complete the track reinstallation but with 125 feet of sewer to replace this will take time.

I realize the extended disruption in trolley service is annoying. Although there is little we can do to make the repair work go faster, I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this is causing you.

SEPTA is doing everything possible to assist you with the Route 36 shuttle service. Our transportation managers are out monitoring the bus operation and we continue to make adjustments to provide the highest level of service possible.

We will keep you updated on PWD’s progress.