Ever wondered how many stories this transportation hub has witnessed? The 69th Street Transportation Center stands as a bustling hub. It is located in Upper Darby Pennsylvania just west of Philadelphia. Let’s dive into the history of this vital transit point.
The 69th Street Transportation Center is more than just a place to catch a ride. It’s a crucial part of the SEPTA system. Many know it as 69th Street Terminal until 2011. It serves the Market Frankford Line the Norristown High Speed Line and the Media Sharon Hill Line. Multiple bus routes converge here too.
Interestingly 69th Street is SEPTA’s second busiest transfer point. Only 15th Street/City Hall sees more traffic. Around 35000 passengers pass through each weekday. It’s also unique as the only SEPTA facility serving both City Transit and Suburban Transit routes.
The station first opened on March 4 1907. It was part of the original Market Street Elevated line. The Philadelphia Rapid Transit Company built it. The line initially ran between 69th Street and 15th Street. Later that year the Philadelphia and Western Railroad added service to Strafford. This is now part of the Norristown High Speed Line.
The Great Hall station house was built in 1907. It spurred development in Upper Darby. Many consider it an early example of transit-oriented design. The Media Sharon Hill Line had an even earlier start. It began service to Sharon Hill in 1906 and Media in 1913.
In 1954 the Philadelphia Suburban Transportation Company acquired the Media Sharon Hill and Norristown lines. It was also known as Red Arrow Lines. SEPTA took over in 1970 unifying all services.
A new West Terminal opened on February 2 2016. The 19.6 million dollar project improved bus and trolley services. It added new tracks platforms and ramps. The terminal also features a green roof and LED lighting.
Sadly the 69th Street Transportation Center has seen its share of accidents. A train crash in 1986 resulted in one fatality and 44 injuries. In 2017 another crash injured 33 people.
Looking ahead a new parking garage is planned. It will add 318 spaces above the South Terminal bus berths. The project is expected to cost 37 million dollars.
The Market Frankford Line ends at 69th Street. From here it runs through Philadelphia along Market Street. The station has three tracks and two platforms. A balloon loop allows trains to turn around. A large storage yard and maintenance facility are also present.
The Norristown High Speed Line also starts here. It travels west and north to Norristown Transportation Center. Unlike the Market Frankford Line the Norristown Line tracks end at bumper blocks.
Surface transit lines are divided into three areas. The West Terminal handles many bus routes and the Media Sharon Hill Line. The South Terminal serves routes heading east into West Philadelphia. The North Terminal handles routes heading north through Cobbs Creek Park.
Inside the station building you’ll find SEPTA sales offices stores and eateries. A park and ride lot provides 182 spaces. The Market Frankford platforms are accessed via a mezzanine. The Norristown Line platforms are directly accessible from the Main Hall.
The 69th Street Transportation Center continues to evolve. It adapts to meet the needs of a growing region. Its story is one of continuous service and adaptation. This hub connects communities and facilitates daily life.