Route of the Week - Boulevard Direct
October 23, 2017
This week, we’re exploring SEPTA’s newest route – the Boulevard Direct! Service on the Boulevard Direct began on October 22, 2017, serving Roosevelt Boulevard between Frankford Transportation Center and the Neshaminy Mall.
The Boulevard Direct service is an enhancement to the Route 14, which also runs along Roosevelt Boulevard. The Boulevard Direct makes eight total stops along its 10-mile route: Frankford Transportation Center, Cottman Avenue, Rhawn Street, Welsh Road, Grant Avenue, Red Lion Road, Neshaminy Interplex and the Neshaminy Mall. The Route 14 follows this same 10-mile stretch, however, it makes over 80 stops. By limiting stops to eight strategic locations along the line, the average Boulevard Direct trip from end-to-end will takes approximately 30 minutes, compared to 47 minutes on a Route 14 bus.
During peak rush hour travel, the Boulevard Direct buses run every 10 minutes, with service during most other time periods every 15 minutes. SEPTA also offers a free interchange at all designated Boulevard Direct stops (except Frankford Transportation Center) for connections to or from the Route 14. The Boulevard Direct service operates with a fleet of 60-foot articulated buses that are easily recognized with Direct Bus branding. These larger buses accommodate a higher passenger volume, and are all diesel-electric hybrids.
The Boulevard Direct was made possible by a partnership between the City, SEPTA, and PennDOT. A component of the Roosevelt Boulevard “Route for Change” program, this multi-agency effort has the goal of creating a more inviting Roosevelt Boulevard that is safe, accessible, and reliable for all. Along with Route for Change partnering with the City and SEPTA to create the Boulevard Direct, PennDOT is also in the process of resurfacing 12 miles of the outer lanes on Roosevelt Boulevard.
