Govind Tekale
New timetables across Philadelphia’s regional rail system will take effect this Sunday, March 16, bringing adjustments to most lines as SEPTA implements changes aimed at improving reliability and on-time performance.
The transit agency is making these changes to address ongoing infrastructure projects while trying to minimize disruptions for daily commuters. Most weekday trains will see their schedules shift by several minutes, though weekend service remains largely unchanged.
“These adjustments are specifically designed to improve our on-time performance,” SEPTA stated in its official announcement. The changes affect approximately 20% of SEPTA’s regional rail service.
Among the most significant changes, the Chestnut Hill East Line will see reduced weekday service between 8:45 a.m. and 3 p.m. until April 27 due to scheduled track work. During this period, trains will run every two hours instead of the usual frequency. SEPTA suggests passengers use the Chestnut Hill West Line or Bus Route 23 as alternatives.
Several specific trains on the Chestnut Hill East Line will be temporarily suspended, including outbound trains 746, 708, and 712 from Suburban Station, and inbound trains 711, 715, and 719 from Chestnut Hill East.
Other notable changes include time adjustments across various lines:
- West Trenton Line: Adjustments between 8 minutes earlier and 22 minutes later
- Glenside Combined Line: Changes between 8 minutes earlier and 22 minutes later
- Paoli/Thorndale Line: Shifts between 13 minutes earlier and 5 minutes later
- Fox Chase Line: Modifications between 10 minutes earlier and 8 minutes later
SEPTA is also adding 31 assistant conductors to peak trains to open more cars for passenger seating and speed up boarding and exiting. The agency will deploy its newest vehicles during peak service hours, noting that these allow for faster boarding.
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To minimize cascading delays, SEPTA is increasing the time between SEPTA and Amtrak trains, particularly on the Paoli/Thorndale Line, and adjusting train schedules to reduce the likelihood that small delays will spread and cause additional disruptions.
For those who ride the Warminster Line, shuttle buses will operate on weekends only between Glenside and Warminster stations beginning March 22.
Riders can plan future trips and view real-time train arrival information through the official SEPTA app or website at septa.org/schedules and plan.septa.org. The schedule changes will be available online approximately one week before the effective date.
For specific departure and arrival times, SEPTA recommends checking individual schedules, as times may not change at all stations on adjusted trains.
