Route of the Week - 61
November 12, 2018
This week, we're taking a closer look at the Route 61! The Route 61 is a SEPTA City Bus Route that runs from 9th & Market in Center City to Manayunk. On a typical weekday, this route carries 3,014 passengers and travels 1,179 miles. The Route 61 makes 142 trips on weekdays, 100 trips on Saturdays, and 82 trips on Sundays. Traveling north from Center City along Ridge Avenue, the Route 61 services a number of different neighborhoods. These include Fairmount, Brewerytown, East Falls, Manayunk, and Roxborough.
Trackless trolleys ran on the Route 61 before they were replaced by buses in 1961. Trackless trolleys came to Philadelphia on October 14, 1923 when Philadelphia Rapid Transit Company (PRT) purchased 10 "Rail-Less" vehicles. In 1937, PRT's trustees attempted to reduce operating expenses and capital costs by proposing the conversion of the Route 61 from a double-ended streetcar to a trackless trolley. With high ridership, the Route 61 provided an adequate test to determine the effectiveness of these vehicles. Trackless trolleys finally made their way to the Route 61 on October 5, 1941 and proved to be a successful.
The Route 61 is a great way to get from Center City to Northwest Philadelphia, including Easts Falls, Manayunk, and Roxborough. This week, hop the Route 61 to Manayunk Cocktail Week for cocktail deals and events at a number of different restaurants.
Whether you're headed to Center City, Manayunk, or anywhere in between, hop the Route 61 and let SEPTA do the driving!
