Getting to Green: Route 64
July 29, 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.
You might be surprised by how quickly you can travel from urban areas to green spaces on SEPTA.
Before Route 64 became a bus route - it was originally a streetcar route that operated along Ellsworth Street. In a significant decision made in September 2003 - SEPTA merged the parallel Bus Routes 63 and 64 into one unified route. The consolidation of Route 63 which previously followed Christian Street and Route 64 which previously ran along Ellsworth Street resulted in the formation of SEPTA's current Route 64 which now runs along Washington Avenue.
Route 64 carries 2,686 riders daily with 121 trips on weekdays and about 70 on weekends. It spans 9 miles connecting with other SEPTA routes and providing direct access to SEPTA's Broad Street Line subway at Ellsworth-Federal Station. The route also stops at popular destinations including the 9th Street Italian Market and Fairmount Park West.
Fairmount Park West is considered the gem of all urban parks in the country and Route 64 can get you there. West Fairmount is home to many unique places to explore including sculptures and buildings remaining from the 1876 Centennial Exhibition. You can also visit Belmont Plateau for a picturesque view of the Philadelphia skyline. Additionally you can run, walk, or bike along the west bank of the Schuylkill River and MLK Drive which is closed to traffic from April to the end of October on weekends. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Shofuso Japanese House and Garden to experience 17th-century Japanese architecture or catch an outdoor concert at The Mann Center. With 12+ miles of trails, woodlands, wetlands, adventure courses, and historic homes there's plenty to explore within city limits.
To get here on SEPTA - hop Route 64 to Parkside Ave & Belmont Ave. Plan your trip here!
And don't forget - you can bring your bike on the bus to explore and enjoy even more!
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.
