Getting to Green: Route 15
July 2, 2024
SEPTA partnered with Mural Arts and Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) on Getting to Green: Routes to Roots - a multidisciplinary public art project aimed at inspiring Philadelphia residents to use public transportation [aka SEPTA] to explore the city’s green spaces. Through unique artwork including hand-drawn maps - riders are encouraged to discover new pathways and routes.
How quickly you can travel from urban areas to green spaces on SEPTA might surprise you.
Route 15 [G] runs along Girard Avenue between Girard & 63rd in West Philadelphia and Richmond & Westmoreland in Port Richmond. It was first opened in 1859 as a horse-car line operated by the Richmond and Schuylkill River Passenger Railway and electrified in 1895 - with extensions in 1902 and 1903.
This route is unique because it utilizes historic streetcars - particularly old Presidents' Conference Committee (PCC) streetcars from the World War II era to transport passengers. In 2020 - SEPTA temporarily replaced the trolley service on the Route 15 [G] with bus service due to construction on I-95 and I-76 by PennDOT. During that time SEPTA worked on fully restoring the 1947 PCC trolleys that serve Route 15. Six trolleys have been restored; the others are in the repair and restoration process. After careful planning and preparation - these heritage streetcars were reintroduced into service on June 16, 2024. All trolleys serving Route 15 are ADA accessible and have been updated with new frames, floors, windows, wheelchair lifts, and HVAC units. Bus service continues to supplement trolley service.
Approximately 9 miles long - Route 15 [G] provides Nite Owl service and serves the neighborhoods of Haddington, Old Kensington, Fairmount, Brewerytown, West Philadelphia, and Port Richmond. On weekdays it carries 5,903 passengers and makes an average of 146 daily trips on weekends. As it travels along Girard Avenue - Route 15 passes Philadelphia landmarks like the Philadelphia Zoo, Girard College, and Girard Medical Center. Route 15 connects with the Market-Frankford Line at the intersection of Front & Girard and the Broad Street Line at the intersection of Broad & Girard.
Let Route 15 [G] take you to the first zoo in America - the Philadelphia Zoo! Located in the heart of West Philadelphia on over 42 acres - the Philadelphia Zoo has over 150 years of experience in conserving wildlife, caring for animals, and educating communities. The zoo is home to more than 1,900 rare and endangered animals and offers award-winning animal exhibits, state-of-the-art healthcare facilities, outstanding education and conservation programs, and exceptional guest services - making it one of the most renowned zoos in America. The grand residence of William Penn's grandson is also located within the zoo.
When visiting the Philadelphia Zoo - you can make your experience unforgettable by participating in scavenger hunts, train rides, animal encounters, virtual reality experiences, and more - suitable for all ages. SEPTA Key cardholders save $2 on up to four tickets with code SEPTA23 when purchasing online. And SEPTA Key cardholders receive a FREE RIDE on the SEPTA PZ Express - a delightful nod to the Zoo's heritage.
Now that you know the WAY TO GO - here are the WAYS TO PAY:
Bus fare is $2.50 cash [exact change required] or $2 if you have a SEPTA Key card with Travel Wallet or have one of these passes loaded to your SEPTA Key card: Monthly or Weekly TransPass or TrailPass, Convenience Pass, Neighborhood Flex Pass, or Anywhere FleX Pass.
No SEPTA Key card? No problem! Tap your contactless credit card, debit card, smart phone or watch to ride SEPTA buses, subways, and trolleys. Or check out SEPTA Key Tix - the new and convenient way to pay for transit using your smartphone!
And don't forget - Kids under 12 ride free when accompanied by an adult and Seniors 65+ ride free with a SEPTA Key Senior Fare Card!
Getting to Green: Routes to Roots is a collaboration between two local Philadelphia artists. Shira Walinsky has created over 40 murals in Philadelphia focusing on people and maps. Laura Deutch uses media and participatory art to explore connections between people, places, and their stories.
