Line of the Week: Chestnut Hill West

March 8, 2021

This week's Route of the Week is the Chestnut Hill West Line! Formerly known as the R8, the Chestnut Hill West Line is a SEPTA Regional Rail Line the travels between Center City and Chestnut Hill. 

This line was established on June 11, 1884 by the Philadelphia, Germantown and Chestnut Hill Railroad. Until SEPTA took over operations in 1984, the Chestnut Hill West Line was operated by a number of different transportation companies including the Pennslyvania Railroad, Penn Central, and Conrail.

Along with the Chestnut Hill East Line, Chestnut Hill West serves the Northwestern section of Philadelphia, including the historic neighborhoods of Mt. Airy, Germantown, and Chestnut Hill. 

Beginning today - 3/8 - limited service will return to the Chestnut Hill West Line! Due to COVID-19, the line was shut down last Spring. 

Amtrak and SEPTA will continue to perform state of good repair track and tunnel work during overnight and weekend hours along the Chestnut Hill West Line through 2021.

The March schedule change will also affect other Regional Rail Lines. These changes are necessary to improve service reliability and to accommodate ongoing track work. These schedules go into effect on Sunday, March 7. You can read about those changes here.

Now that Travel Wallet is available on Regional Rail, riding couldn't be easier! All you have to do is tap your SEPTA Key on the platform or turnstile validator at your boarding station. This opens your trip. Then sit back and enjoy your ride! When you exit, tap off at the platform or turnstile validator before you leave the station. This closes out the trip. Again, all you have to do is Tap, Ride, Tap! You can read about the most up-to-date fare information here!

And before you head out, don't forget to mask up! Wearing a mask and maintaining social distance between you and other riders is vital to keeping yourself and those around you safe!

So whether you're headed to Chestnut Hill, Center City, or anywhere in between - let SEPTA be your ride!