Give the Gift of SEPTA
December 21, 2016
With Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa all falling within the same month, this time of year is all about giving. So, for our December Contest, we asked you what you plan to give [or hope to receive] this holiday season. But, like all of our contests, your ideas had to be SEPTA related!
We received hundreds of entries and were blown away by the creativity and thoughtfulness of your SEPTA gift ideas. Many of you had a story behind your present, reminding us of what the holiday season is all about. It wasn't easy, but we picked one grand prize winner and ten runner-ups from the 154 contest entries. Below, read some of our favorite SEPTA gift ideas and the meaningful stories behind why they chose them:
Stephanie and her husband met in Philadelphia back in college. For their first date, they rode SEPTA to Reading Terminal Market. Today, they commute together everything on Regional Rail. “The gift of a SEPTA ornament would be a sentimental reminder of the city where it all began for us,” she wrote.
Melissa’s older brother has been fascinated with trains since he was a kid. Living near Media Station growing up, he’d love to watch the trains roll in and out. He’s lived in New York and London, but each Christmas, he always takes SEPTA home. “I think he would love anything SEPTA related, a t-shirt, an ornament, or an R3 sign,” wrote Melissa.
Regional Rail Signs
Gloria and her roommates never seem to be able to find SEPTA tokens when they need them. “For Christmas, I'm buying the pack of 100 tokens and setting up a bowl right by the front door, so everyone can just grab and go,” wrote Gloria. “I hope this lets us travel Philadelphia together more this Winter and Spring, and see what SEPTA has to offer.”
Sarah works at Cabrini University in the Student Diversity Office. Many students are commuters and are dependent on SEPTA to get to school. This holiday season, she would like to give on particularly hardworking student a SEPTA Key so she can continue to get to school and graduate, while also working part-time and taking care of her grandmother. “She gives 100% - despite everything she has personally going on - and this might make life just a bit easier,” writes Sarah.
Stephen wants to give his mom a SEPTA Key this holiday season. His mom lives in the Philadelphia suburbs and used to come to the city often for visits, movies, shows, and concerts. But recently, parking has gotten more expensive, and she's been visiting the city less. “I feel the SEPTA Key will be a great gift to help motivate her to come back more often,” said Stephen.
AdunOluwa will soon be graduating from college. When she first started there, her older brother also attended the school. Both of them relied on SEPTA to get to class but as students, they were often short on cash or running late to class. Her brother would take the bus, which took longer, and give AdunOlowa his fare for the Lansdale/Doylestown Line so she could get to class on time. “As a memento, I would give my brother a Lansdale/Doylestown plaque to commemorate my graduation and his sacrifice,” she said.
When Jordyn asks her grandmother what she wants for Christmas, she replies, “PJ's, chocolate, and your love.” This year, Jordyn wants to gift her grandmother two tickets for Regional Rail and spend the day in Center City. “After our day in the city, I want to give her the pajamas and chocolate that she originally asked for,” wrote Jordyn. “Because that's what this season is all about, seeing your loved ones smile.
Erica’s 5 year old son loves riding on anything SEPTA, whether its bus, trolley, subway, or the El. When they ride, he calls out the names of all the stops, making it a fun experience for all. “I think it would make his day if he could get a toy replica of a SEPTA bus or train car for the holidays,” wrote Erica.
Nikki chose a gift from the SEPTA Transit Store for each member of his family. She would get SEPTA seat cushion for her mom in a wheelchair, a SEPTA beanie to keep her dad warm, a SEPTA rally towel for her sister with kids, and a Silverliner V toy train for her niece and nephew. For herself, Nikki would ask for SEPTA passes, since she is an avid rider!Feeling inspired by these fabulous SEPTA gift ideas? Check out the SEPTA Transit Gift Store for the items mentioned and more!
Feeling inspired by these fabulous SEPTA gift ideas? Check out the SEPTA Transit Gift Store for the items mentioned and more!
SEPTA Transit Map Shirts
