SEPTA added its rail information onto Google Transit.  Now, trip planners can just go to http://maps.google.com and find information on what SEPTA rail lines they can take to get to their destination.  By the end of the year, SEPTA plans to have all of its bus information on Google Transit as well, making it the first multi-modal transit operator to have all of its information available on the website.

SEPTA also has Google Transit data available on its website for web developers.

With the arrival of the 17 Eldorados recently sent to Frontier. Frontier has sent their entire fleet of Champions to Germantown.  Given to the increased SEPTA ridership last year and this year, this promt SEPTA to send higher capcaity buses to both Frontier and Victory.  It was reported on the forums that some of the champions/last fords will be sold off, whereas the other champions will be overhauled and transfered to the contract operations.

Recently, there was a hilarious mock SEPTA notice that was placed on various EL and Regional Rail cars.  It was a spoof of the Title VI sign that was recently placed in SEPTA vehicles.  Here's a link to pictures and text of the posted notice: http://www.philebrity.com/2009/06/15/widespread-septa-hack-actually-the-most-truthful-corporate-messaging-since-were-getting-there/

SEPTA, however, wasn't quite as amused: http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/20090616_Prank_SEPTA_signs_offend__amuse.html?viewAll=y&c=y

However, many commuters agree that this was probably the most honest corporate message SEPTA put out since it's old slogan "We're Getting There".

Just last year, someone did a similar prank on SEPTA's Regional Rail, although it wasn't as clever or famous: http://willdo.pwblogs.com/2008/08/05/calling-out-septa-on-diesel-buses/

According to Rider65 on the boards, starting today, Victory will be handing  their Eldorados off to Frontier.  Victory in return is slated to get New Flyers 5934-5950 from Midvale. --> Midvale in return will receieve more new hybrids.

The increased ridership during the year of 2008 did not help matters any.  For a brief period of time earlier this year. The bus shortage, and the overwhelming demand of buses has forced Victory to place Eldorados on the routes which they do not belong. In fact, even the local residents were surprised to see a smaller buses on the 104. "when I saw them on the 104, I almost choked."- TransitChuckG

Once it's all said it done, Victory will retain several of it’s Eldorados to be used on route 103/106, and 107.  It is not clear whether or not Victory will receive 5939 and 5949 from Midvale with the since the buses have full wraps which are contracted to run on various routes in Center City. So keep your eyes peeled for them!!

http://philadelphiatransitforums.cjb.net/topic/7112823/1/

Photo-Right: Taken by Kyle Wallace - Eldorado at 69th street Terminal

(Edited by: Van2006ko)

As mentioned in the last news post, 8082 is SEPTA's campaign bus for the food driver program.  8082 over the past week has been spotted operating on various routes throughout the system. Thus far it’s been spotted on the route 17 in South Philadelphia, Route 124, and route L out of Midvale.  This bus will continue to operating to various routes system wide until the drive is over on June 15th.  For more information this food drive.. So be on the look out for it and donate!!

Around noon today forum member Buswizard spotted 8082 on display at City Hall, sporting a full wrap on the new stop hunger campaign. SEPTA and the Philabundance team are working together to help fight hunger in the region. These ads have now made it out of the subway trains and on to the buses. Stop hunger in your region.  for more information on where you can donate canned foods go to this link http://www.septa.org/inside/philabundance.html

Photo: 8082 at City Hall; Taken by Mike (Buswizard)

PATCO announced that they plan to upgrade the six subway stations along the Lindenwold High Speed Line.  These stations include City Hall and Broadway in Camden, as well as all 4 active Philadelphia stations.  This entire project will cost $9.6 million dollars.

More info in this article: http://www.courierpostonline.com/article/20090520/NEWS01/905200351&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL

The PATCO board just approved a 3 year, $317,420 contract with Acadaca to set up a web ticket system for FREEDOM card users.  These users would be able to register their cards, check their balances, and replenish their cards online!  This system should roll out in the fall.

Source here: http://www.ridepatco.org/content.asp?page=News&param=2&publication=19&pubnumber=831

During the past several days, Midvale has received 10 (8221-8230) hybrids which were previously resting at Germantown depot. These buses are being placed on a wide vareity of routes operating out of Midvale. It's unclear how many buses Midvale will receive, but it's clear these units will replace a good amount of NABIs operating out of midvale. According to Buswizard these units are nothing like their predecessor in terms of acceleration " The acceleration was quick and sudden, like the 5600s and it felt like it had no 2nd or 3rd gear shifts (in speed), therefore giving it the feel of a trackless trolley.". We'll shall see....

Well now is time to get your last rides on the NABIS!!!

On the evening of Monday, May 14th, the inbound platform of the Bryn Mawr Station of the rt 100 line caught fire.  The exact cause hasn't been announced, but the damage was pretty severe, since this is a station with a wooden platform and station.

You can see pictures of the fire in the Bryn Mawr Fire Department's photo album: http://brynmawrfirecompany.org/gallery/Fire-RT-100
Discuss the fire here: http://philadelphiatransitforums.cjb.net/topic/7106819/1/#new

10 New New Flyer Hybrids has arrived at Germantown depot this week. These buses are currently undergoing inspection and awaiting for tags. From there, these units are more then likely to be assigned Midvale.  It appears Midvale would be the first depot receive new buses in this order.  It also been rumored that Frankford, Comly, and Southern are set to receive buses as well.  So keep your eyes peeled. 

Also unlike the last order, each one of these buses will replace a NABI.  So get your last rides in…

While operating on the Frankford's Route 3, 5786 was involved in a major accident along Kensington Avenue and Hunting Park Avenue. The driver in the van traveling in front of the bus was talking on her cell phone and lost control of the vehicle and cut the bus off. Consequently, this caused the bus to crash into a MFL-El support pole on Kensington Avenue.  Overall, 18 people including the bus driver sustained injuries.  As far as 5786, the entire front partion of the bus has been destroyed.

According to Front5151 on the boards, #8222-8229 has been spotted in the Germantown depot Parking lot.   As also reported, 8231-8239 were spotted at a Detroit Diesel facility in Minneapolis getting work done. Photos of these buses are posted on the Chicagobus.org forums.

http://forum.chicagobus.org/index.php?showtopic=629&st=480&p=20635&#entry20635

Photo-Right: Taken by MVTArider on the Chicagoforums