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Line of the Week

Line of the Week: 36

December 28, 2020

This week, we're exploring the 36! The 36 is a SEPTA Trolley Line that runs from 13th & Market in Center City to 80th & Eastwick in Southwest Philly. It is the longest of the five lines that are part of SEPTA's Subway-Surface Trolley system, and it was even longer between 1956 and 1962 when the western terminus was at 94th and Eastwick Place.

The 36 runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. On a typical weekday, the 36 makes over 300 trips. In 2019 alone, the 36 traveled over 526,000 miles.

The 36 was established as the Elmwood Avenue Line in 1904 by the Philadelphia Rapid Transit Company. Original streetcar service operated between Island Road and Elmwood Avenue via Center City on Market Street to Front & Market Streets. Service rerouted into the Subway-Surface Tunnel and extended to the Westinghouse Plant in Essington on November 5, 1955 replacing the 37 trolley service. 

In addition to Center City, the 36 also travels through University City, servicing Drexel UniversityUniversity of Pennsylvania, and the Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania. The 36 connects with all Regional Rail Lines, the Market-Frankford Line, and 13 different bus routes at 30th Street Station.

This holiday season, you can take the 36 to the Wintergarden at Dilworth Park! This holiday-inspired garden is located on the Albert M. Greenfield Lawn. You can delight in discovering picture-perfect moments amid holiday topiaries, twinkling lights, and seasonal plants. The beautiful garden and craft market are great spots for holiday card photos!

Riders should note: the City Trolley Tunnel will be closed during overnight hours to allow time for crews to perform maintenance work and deep cleanings at stations. The closure will be in effect from midnight to 5AM - seven days a week - until further notice.

If you're planning on riding - there are a few things you don't want to forget.

  • You'll want to remember your SEPTA Key! This is your "key" to not just the 36, but to all of SEPTA! If you're using your SEPTA Key, fare will be $2, your first transfer will be free and your second transfer will only be $1. Not only that, but children under the age of 12 ride free when accompanied by a fare-paying adult!  And now, you can buy a Three Day Convenience Pass which is ideal for individuals who travel on SEPTA less than 5 days a week and visitors and tourists enjoying a multiple day stay in Philadelphia. The cost is $18 and it's good for 24 trips over 72 consecutive hours. Time starts with your first tap. It is meant for one rider. You can read up about fares here. And if you've never ridden the trolley before, check out this informative video on How to Ride and check out our Guide to Ride!

  • Don't forget your mask! This isn't just to keep you safe, it's to keep everyone who rides SEPTA safe! Make sure your mask is covering both your mouth and your nose.

  • And finally - don't forget to keep social distance!