New way of communicating at SEPTA stations

Just in case riders forget where Independence National Historical Park is, the Market-Frankford El is now reminding them.

That attraction, along with several others, was added to the announcements trains make at stations as part of an effort to give riders more up-to-date information at stops.

The changes were rolled out about a month ago and take note of “changing terminology” and new development in places like West Philadelphia, according to SEPTA spokesman Andrew Busch.

The subway-surface routes are now being referred to as “trolleys,” for instance, and the 34th Street Station announcement now makes note of Drexel University and the University of Pennsylvania.

Though most riders presumably know what stops to get off at, “we want to make sure people are aware” of attractions.

Busch said that similar changes are in the works for the Broad Street Line, though the subway will probably require fewer updates than the El, which passes through popular tourist destinations.

The changes are a part of a wider SEPTA program to standardize and update its signage, which have included renaming the Route 100 to the Norristown High Speed Line.

The suburban trolley routes 101 and 102 are also up for renaming. Busch said they may be called the Media and Sharon Hill lines.

The larger and more controversial task of renaming the regional rail system is still being discussed.

Posted by Anthony Campisi