Better watch out for Santa’s helpers on SEPTA trains

Late-morning Black Friday shoppers in Philly may see Santa and his helpers on the train into town as SEPTA hosts its 22nd annual “Santa Express.”

Specially decorated trains on the Market-Frankford and Broad Street lines and regional rail will have Santa and his helpers riding along.

The Market-Frankford train leaving Frankford Terminal at 10 a.m. will be the only train with both Santa and his helpers on it.

All other participating trains will operate around the same time but only have Santa’s helpers.

The “Santa Express” will take riders to the Gallery Mall in Center City, where there will be a parade and decorations.

It’s a fun tradition to kick off the season, says Heather Redfern of SEPTA.

“It’s a good way to get people to come into the city and to ride public transportation to get a different experience than just the normal trip on the train,” Redfern says. “And just a way for SEPTA to help people celebrate the holidays.”

The normal SEPTA fees still apply for the “Santa Express.”