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How to Ride - Norristown High Speed Line

How to Ride - Norristown High Speed Line

The Norristown High Speed Line (aka the Purple Line; the P&W; and Route 100) runs between 69th Street Transportation Center and Norristown Transportation serving the Main Line area in Delaware and Montgomery Counties. It runs from 5AM to 1AM, seven (7) days a week. During weekday peak periods (6AM–9AM, 2:15PM–6:45PM), the Norristown High Speed Line features express and limited services, which stop only at select stations, therefore decreasing travel time between 69th Street and Norristown. Norristown Express service, denoted by red destination signs, travels between 69th Street and Norristown in approximately 26 minutes, and stops at 17 stations. Norristown Limited service, denoted by blue destination signs, travels between 69th Street and Norristown in approximately 22 minutes, stopping at only eight stations. All trains share the same two tracks, so a limited leaving Norristown, for example, will be immediately followed by a local, which stops at more stations.  

Depending on where you start, riding the Norristown High Speed Line is a lot like riding the subway/elevated (Broad Street and Market-Frankford Lines) or a bus or a trolley. 

Now let's ride...

1. First things first. Download the SEPTA App for schedules, maps, TransitView, and more!

2. Grab your SEPTA Key card. No card? No problem. Available in the official SEPTA App - SEPTA Key Tix is THE a convenient way to pay for one or up to five (5) people using your smartphone! Use a credit or debit card to download a QR-code “ticket” that can be read at fareboxes and turnstiles. Best part - SEPTA Key Tix gives families and friends traveling together the capability to scan once and pay fares for up to five (5) riders using a single barcode! In case you wondering - SEPTA Key Tix does not replace SEPTA Key cards - but instead provides a way for occasional - and regular - riders without a SEPTA Key card to enjoy some of the same benefits as cardholders - including a $2 fare and one free transfer per transit trip. 

If you have a SEPTA Key card - the (Travel Wallet) fare is $2 per ride; your first and second transfer is free. If you're paying cash - the cost is $2.50 and you must have exact change - the Operator cannot make change. Monthly and Weekly TrailPasses and TransPasses are accepted as well as a One Day and Three Day Convenience Pass and a One Day FleX Pass. These passes can all be purchased and loaded to a SEPTA Key card.

3. Go to your station. If you're starting your trip from either 69th Street Transportation Center or Norristown Transportation Center - to access the platform tap your SEPTA Key card on the "validator" located on top of the turnstile. If you are starting your trip from one of the twenty (20) intermediate stations - you will tap your SEPTA Key card on the "validator" located next to the Operator after you board the train. (Passenger etiquette tip: Let people off before getting on.)

Please note - most stations (except terminals) on the Norristown High Speed Line are request stops. Passengers wishing to board must be on the platform and visible to the Operator. If the train is scheduled to stop at the station, it will stop.

4. Once onboard - take a seat and watch/listen for your stop. Again - most stations (except terminals) are request stops. To request a stop, you need to press a button (located on the window) to request the train to stop.

5. Exit the train.

Check Norristown High Speed Line schedules to plan your trip.

Learn how to ride other SEPTA transit vehicles.

Quick Tips:

✔️ Strollers & shopping carts may need to be folded depending on conditions (except wheelchair strollers).

✔️ Yield designated seats to Seniors & Disabled Riders.

✔️ Drinks in containers with a resealable lid and light, small snacks OK on board.

✔️ Don't share your music - use earbuds or headphones.

✔️ Keep phone calls brief, talk in a low voice, don't use the speaker, mute the ringer.

✔️ Check that you have all of your belongings before leaving the train. Be alert for unattended bags or items.

✔️ Stand behind the yellow line and move towards the back of the car.

✔️ Do NOT trespass in the track area.