SEPTA is planning to implement the New Bus Network this year, with Phase 1 beginning in August, according to a recent announcement. The initiative, formerly known as Bus Revolution, launched in 2021 with the goal to comprehensively redesign the entire bus network, but had to be postponed a couple of times.

This new network was approved by the SEPTA Board in May 2024, following a large community engagement effort, which included 150 in-person events, 40 virtual meetings and 10 public hearings. About 20,000 residents provided feedback for the project over a 3-year period.

The plan will be implemented as part of SEPTA’s Annual Service Plan process, which will include additional hearings on April 15 before a Board vote in May.

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If you’re a frequent SEPTA trolley rider, you’ve probably been stuck at least a few times on a trolley that was blocked by a vehicle double-parked in its lane. To help clear the tracks and keep trolleys moving without delays, the Philadelphia Parking Authority has launched an Automated Trolley Camera Enforcement program that will help track and fine drivers who double-park in trolley lanes and “no stopping” zones. The new initiative, the first of its kind in the country, has launched today with the activation of AI-powered cameras on 30 trolleys.

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Here’s some great news for SEPTA’s T5 Trolley Modernization Project. The T5 Trolley Route (former Route 36), which serves people in West and Southwest Philadelphia, is receiving $2 million for its modernization, including new vehicles, on-street stations and infrastructure, as well as new traffic signals, pedestrian safety bump-outs, and accessibility and stormwater drainage improvements.

The funding is part of a $27 million state investment in transportation safety. It was received through Pennsylvania’s ARLE (Automated Red-Light Enforcement) program, which aims to improve safety at intersections with traffic signals by providing automated enforcement at locations where data shows red-light running has been an issue. Fines from red light violations at intersections in Philadelphia are used for grants.

The T5 Trolley Modernization Project kicked off in 2024 and is currently in its design phase, with construction expected to begin in 2027. For more details, visit: https://wwww.septa.org/trolley-modernization/t5.

A test trolley exiting the tunnel near 40th and Woodland on Sunday, Jan. 4.

UPDATE (1/10/2026): SEPTA’s Trolley Tunnel (“T Trolley Tunnel”), which has been closed since mid-November, is set to reopen on Monday, Jan. 12 for regular daytime service, according to SEPTA. The tunnel will still be closed indefinitely from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. each night to accommodate additional inspections and maintenance. All trolleys will be diverted to 40th and Market during these hours. The tunnel will also be closed for additional repairs during the following periods:

• From 10 p.m. on Jan. 23 to 5 a.m. on Jan. 26
• From 10 p.m. on Jan. 30 to 5 a.m. on Feb. 2
• From 5 a.m. on Feb. 15 to 10 p.m. on Feb. 22

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SEPTA workers and trolleys participating in test runs seen near the Trolley Tunnel at 40th and Woodland on Saturday, Dec. 13. (Photo West Philly Local)

UPDATE (1/1/2026): SEPTA’s Trolley Tunnel will remain closed through early January until the necessary repairs are complete and test trolley runs are successful, according to a Dec. 31 announcement by SEPTA. The repairs in the tunnel are expected to be completed by the end of this week, after which SEPTA will begin running test trolleys. A target re-opening date for the tunnel has not been announced yet, but is expected to be announced shortly, according to SEPTA.

12/13/2025: SEPTA’s Trolley Tunnel closure is expected to continue until the end of December, as more testing is needed before the tunnel can reopen for regular service, according to the latest announcement by SEPTA.

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UPDATE (12/8/2025): The Trolley Tunnel closure will continue through at least Sunday, Dec. 14, according to the latest announcement by SEPTA: “We know this closure has been frustrating, and we appreciate your continued patience. We are making good progress and hope to have more detailed news soon.”

UPDATE (11/30/2025): The Trolley Tunnel closure will continue through at least Sunday, Dec. 7 as additional testing of the overhead wires in the tunnel must be completed, according to the latest announcement by SEPTA. All trolleys will remain on diversion to 40th and Market during this time.

UPDATE (11/24/2025):  The Trolley Tunnel closure will continue for another week – through at least Sunday, Nov. 30 – according to a recent announcement by SEPTA.

(11/20/2025): The SEPTA Trolley Tunnel remains closed this week while crews continue repairing an overhead wire.

The problems with the wire began in October, soon after new “sliders” (the part that connects the trolley to the overhead wire) were installed on most trolleys. Outages in the tunnel caused some 450 passengers to be evacuated.

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