Planning Ahead, SEPTA Says Some Bus Service Will Be Rerouted For Snow
By Mike DeNardo
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- SEPTA is taking the proactive step of detouring some bus routes before tomorrow's snow gets too deep.
On some hilly roads, SEPTA may wind up suspending bus service anyway as the storm worsens.
But for the first time this winter, they are planning to detour some troublesome bus routes first, to prevent some buses from spinning their wheels, failing to make it up an incline.
"Because we've been having so much practice, we're looking at placing some of our bus routes on detour ahead of the problems," says SEPTA deputy general manager Jeff Knueppel. "We're not looking to get buses stuck. We're not looking to have people stranded in them."
SEPTA says detours will go into effect at 4 a.m. Thursday, unless conditions warrant earlier implementation, on the following routes:
7, 9, 14, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 31, 33, 38, 40, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 53, 55, 57, 58, 65, 70, 73, 84, 88, G, H, XH, J, K, L, 92, 94, 95, 97, 99, 103, 104, 107, 110, 112, 115, 117, 118, 119, 124, 125, 126 and 139.
SEPTA is taking a number of preventative measures to keep as much service as possible in-tact on Thursday.
The Market-Frankford Line and the Broad Street Line will operate with train service overnight, rather than switch to Night Owl Bus service between 12:30 a.m. - 5:30 a.m. as scheduled. SEPTA says this will keep additional buses off potentially icy roads, and help with efforts to continue service on these vital transit arteries.
Also, trains will be stored in subway tunnels overnight to keep them out of the elements and ready for the morning commute.
Riders are advised to check SEPTA's web site for real-time updates for all modes of SEPTA travel throughout the storm.
