MNC to hold meeting about SEPTA’s Route 35 bus changes

SEPTA is planning some changes to the Route 35 bus, including possible alteration of the current Manayunk-Roxborough loop’s route.

The Manayunk Neighborhood Council is urging residents to attend a meeting next week to find out about the route changes, which SEPTA says are part of an effort to “replace outdated equipment with cleaner, greener vehicles.”

The meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 23 at the Kendrick Rec. Center, at 5822 Ridge Ave.

Kevin Smith, MNC president, said SEPTA plans to replace the current buses with hybrid buses which, while quieter, are longer in length and would not be able to negotiate the current route.

SEPTA officials did not return requests for information on Tuesday about the possible new route.

Originally, the Route Z bus, the route through Manayunk, Roxborough and Wissahickon, became the Route 35 in 1967.

Despite various route changes over the years and the challenges of the area’s steep hills and narrow streets, the 35 is an essential public transportation link for local residents.

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Contact Amy Z. Quinn at azquinn@planphilly.com.