SEPTA gathered with local, state and federal officials as well as community members and other dignitaries to celebrate the new Parkside Bus Loop on May 16, 2012.

The state-of-the-art facility, now located at 1551 North 50th Street, recently began serving residents and businesses in the community.

The loop is a key part of SEPTA’s operation of bus routes 43, 64 and 52. Nearly 1,100 riders use the loop daily for service on these routes.

The old loop dated back nearly a century and was overdue for modern upgrades. To better serve the community, the loop was relocated from the former location at 49th and Parkside Avenue.

“We’re proud to be able to offer a state-of-the-art facility to our customers at the Parkside Bus Loop,” said SEPTA General Manager Joseph M. Casey. “We look forward to being part of the progress of this community for years to come.”

The new location is in an area that has seen significant new development, such as Park West Town Center, which features a large supermarket, a major home-improvement retailer, and a mix of smaller shops that specialize in a variety of products and services.

The $2.2 million Parkside Bus Loop relocation and construction project was funded by a $2.2 million competitive grant awarded to SEPTA by the Federal Transit Administration. The facility is fully accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Other improvements include an open-air bus shelter, created from recycled materials and glass block wind screens; improved energy-efficient lighting; a modern storm water management system; and new site landscaping with drought-resistant plants. The new location was also designed to improve traffic flow on surrounding roads, which has led to safety improvements for motorists and pedestrians.