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Home > News > SEPTA Announces Extension of Route 53 Bus Service Along East Hunting Park Avenue

SEPTA Announces Extension of Route 53 Bus Service Along East Hunting Park Avenue

SEPTA Announces Extension of Route 53 Bus Service Along East Hunting Park Avenue

2.5 Mile Addition Provides New Service to Rapidly Growing Corridor in North Philadelphia

Category: Press Release
Published

Beginning, Sunday, Feb. 21, SEPTA Bus Route 53 will launch service on a 2.5 mile extension in North Philadelphia, enhancing transit availability to the neighborhoods of Feltonville, Juniata Park and Hunting Park. The extension will operate along East Hunting Park Avenue.

“We are pleased to offer new bus service to residents and businesses along this growing corridor,” said SEPTA General Manager Jeffrey D. Knueppel. “Economic development in this area has led to increased demand for service. As part of our Annual Service Plan process, we conducted a thorough ridership review, and we believe this extension will help meet current and future transit needs along East Hunting Park Avenue.”

Previously, Route 53 service operated between West Mount Airy and Hunting Park Station on the Broad Street Line via Wayne Avenue. The new extension adds direct service to a growing array of business and cultural services along the corridor, such as Concilio, the La Fortaleza Complex and the Esperanza Academy Charter School.

The service extension will also enhance area travel options by providing transfers to-and-from Bus Routes 4, 47, 57 and 89, and new Broad Street Line connections. A total of 22 new stops will be added to the Route 53; the majority have been placed at signalized intersections, which reduces the potential for pedestrian and vehicle conflicts.

“SEPTA’s extension of Hunting Park Avenue’s Route 53 is enthusiastically welcomed,” said Philadelphia City Councilwoman Maria Quinones Sanchez, whose district includes the corridor. “This will provide greater accessibility to businesses and neighborhoods along the thoroughfare, as well as provide more travel options to and from the Broad Street Line. This route extension was much needed for those in our community who depend on public transportation.”

New Route 53 schedules and bi-lingual service information brochures are now available at SEPTA Customer Service locations and at key community and business centers along the route’s extension. Riders can also view route maps and service information online at https://www.septa.org/schedules/53-extension.html

The launch of extended service along the East Hunting Park Avenue corridor on SEPTA Bus Route 53 coincides with SEPTA’s seasonal schedule changes, beginning on Sunday, Feb. 21. All riders are encouraged to check for new timetables at all SEPTA service locations and online at www.septa.org.