Reimagining Regional Rail
EXPLORE THE
NETWORK SCENARIOS
Imagine a Regional Rail System
that prioritizes
The three scenarios show how you would experience Regional Rail service in different locations.
There are different ways to run this service that serve different kinds of trips better. The three scenarios, which deploy the same amount of total service in different ways, set up choices for how SEPTA plans for the future of Regional Rail. The final plan may be a combination of all three and phased in over time.
Imagine a system where:
- Every line has a train every 30 minutes from 5:00 am to 1:00 am.
- No matter when you are traveling, or whether you are traveling into the city or out of it, there is a reasonably convenient train for you.
“30-minute all-day service everywhere”
We call that Scenario 1: Regional Coverage
Imagine a system where:
- There is a new part of SEPTA Metro that uses Regional Rail tracks but runs like a subway.
- There is a train every 15 minutes, all day, every day. You do not even need to look at schedule.
- Fares are integrated with bus, trolley, el and subway.
- Station platforms are at train height, and trains have room for bikes, wheelchairs, strollers, and luggage.
“High-frequency SEPTA Metro style service where demand is highest”
We call that Scenario 2: Metro Frequency
Imagine a system where:
- Key stations across the system have express service that can get you to Center City up to 20 minutes faster.
- Express service runs both ways, all day, every 30 minutes
- Service combines SEPTA and Amtrak – and the same ticket works for both.
“All-day express service better integrated with Amtrak”
We call that Scenario 3: All Day Speed
Scenario 1: Regional Coverage provides 30-minute service everywhere across the system.
Benefits:
- Provides consistent service in both directions all-day
Tradeoffs:
- Doesn’t focus on offering frequent service
- Doesn’t operate off-peak express service, so midday travel times are not competitive with driving
Scenario 1 better integrates fares and transfers with other modes.
Scenario 1: Regional Coverage
Our State of the System Report shows that Regional Rail is the fastest SEPTA mode. However, off-peak local trains can be 20 minutes slower than peak expresses. This scenario addresses that by providing all-day express service.
What do stations look like?
What does train equipment look like?
How does express service operate?
How do fares work?
How does local service operate?
Scenario 2: Metro Frequency provides frequent service where ridership and demand support it.
Benefits:
- Reliable frequent service in the core
- Frequent service in both directions, all day in the inner parts of the system
Tradeoffs:
- Less frequent service in the outer parts of the system
- Doesn’t operate off-peak express service, so midday travel times are not competitive with driving
Scenario 2 better integrates fares and transfers with other modes,
particularly the parts of the network with 15-minute service, to bus and SEPTA Metro.
Scenario 2: Regional Frequency
Our State of the System Report shows that much of the Regional Rail system has a train once an hour in the middle of the day, and evening and weekend service is similar. That can be inconvenient for riders, who might have to choose between being 5 minutes late or 55 minutes early. This scenario addresses that by providing 30-minute service all day.
What do stations look like?
What does train equipment look like?
How does express service operate?
How do fares work?
How does local service operate?
Scenario 3: All Day Speed provides express service all day.
Benefits:
- Some stops with frequent express to downtown all day.
- Minimizes duplicative rail service between service providers
Tradeoffs:
- Less frequent service on much of the network.
Scenario 3 better integrates fares and transfers with other modes, including some Amtrak services.
Scenario 3: All Day Speed
What do stations look like?
What does train equipment look like?
How does express service operate?
How do fares work?
How does local service operate?
