SEPTA is inviting the public to submit ideas for service improvements as the authority begins the process for the Fiscal Year 2016 Annual Service Plan. SEPTA is accepting submissions through August 31, 2014.

Submissions for the service plan often include suggestions for modifications to current SEPTA routes, as well as requests for additional services. SEPTA’s Service Planning Department evaluates the submissions as part of its process for shaping the Annual Service Plan, which is presented at public hearings before going to the SEPTA Board for a vote. A number of criteria are used in reviewing submissions, such as ridership projections, operational impacts and funding availability.

SEPTA received a record number of submissions for the most recent service plan, with 235 proposals sent in and reviewed.

“We are seeing a renewed interest in transit, with many residents embracing SEPTA as their primary and preferred choice for travel,” said SEPTA Chief Financial Officer Richard Burnfield. “Many riders are showing a great interest in service improvements, and we welcome those suggestions.”

Submissions for the 2016 Annual Service Plan must be sent in writing by email to serviceplanning@septa.org, or by regular mail to: SEPTA – Service Planning Department; 1234 Market Street, 9th Floor; Philadelphia 19107

Previous annual service plans and SEPTA’s Service Standards and Process document is available on the Reports section of SEPTA’s website, https://www.septa.org/reports/.

For more information on how to submit comments by August 31, 2014, visit https://www.septa.org/notice/asp/submissions-asp-2016.html.