SEPTA Darby Transportation Center and Trolley Service Extension

Foursquare ITP assisted Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) with recommendations and preliminary alternatives for the redesign of Darby Transportation Center (DTC), a key hub in one of the nation’s largest and oldest streetcar networks. The DTC is a key connection point between SEPTA’s city and suburban systems, where two city trolley lines and three suburban bus routes meet. In preparation for a modernized trolley fleet, SEPTA is updating end-of-line facilities at DTC and also exploring potential track extensions to fully connect its city and suburban trolley systems.

Foursquare ITP led the existing conditions report with a particular focus on operational concerns and current/future space needs at the facility. We contributed our extensive experience in transit operations and visualization to develop a set of 11 initial site concepts for a rebuilt trolley end-of-line facility at DTC. SEPTA subject matter experts selected four for further refinement and evaluation, from which a final preferred alternative was selected based on a rigorous prioritization matrix. We also made recommendations for improved intermodal connections from bus to trolley and changes to bus end-of-line facilities to improve both passenger safety and bus operations.

The new and improved end-of-line facilities and extensions will enable Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant customer platforms and service, provide modern end-of-line facilities and passenger amenities, improve operator facilities, alleviate operational challenges, and create better connections to other SEPTA services and regional destinations. Foursquare ITP is currently building on this project as part of a follow-on phase, designing complete streets upgrades, new pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, traffic calming, and transit priority to improve multimodal connectivity to DTC.

The final preferred alternative prepares SEPTA for Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and other grant funding opportunities, as well as NEPA review. SEPTA found the proposed design alleviates not only operational concerns at the site, but also concerns of external stakeholders, and creates an opportunity for further collaboration with Darby Borough to revitalize the town’s center.