Big Changes Coming To SEPTA Next Week

PHILADELPHIA — SEPTA will soon be phasing out the old names for its some of its lettered bus routes, while also making name changes to rail services.

Beginning Sunday and Monday, six of SEPTA’s seven lettered bus routes will transition to numeric designations. Metro lines will also formally adopt their new letter-based system.

The following bus routes will transition from letters to numbers

• G → 63
• H → 71
• J → 41
• L → 51
• R → 82
• XH → 81

Route K will transition to a number at a later date as a part of future route changes.

These changes are happening along with SEPTA's Metro wayfinding project, which introduces letters to rail services to make the system more intuitive.

Under the project:

• The Market-Frankford Line is becoming the L.
• The Broad Street Line is becoming the B. The Local is the B1, the Express is the B2 and the Spur is the B3.
• Subway-Surface Trolleys are becoming the T. The 10 is the T1, the 34 is the T2, the 13 is the T3, the 11 is the T4, and the 36 is the T5.
• The Route 15 Trolley is becoming the G.
• The Media-Sharon Hill Line is becoming the D. The 101 is the D1, and the 102 is the D2.
• The Norristown High Speed Line is becoming the M.

SEPTA began using these new metro designations on its website and app, in addition to Drexel Station at 30th St, in 2024 to help ease the transition.

Historically, SEPTA operated numerous lettered bus routes, but over time, they transitioned to numbers for greater consistency.

While only a few lettered routes remain today, they can sometimes create confusion for riders. This shift to numbered bus routes ensures a more intuitive and accessible network.

To support riders through the transition, new signage will display both old and new route names over several months.

SEPTA has launched a comprehensive public outreach campaign that includes:

• Updated schedules and signage incorporating both old and new designations.
• A multilingual marketing campaign with ads on buses, at stops, and online.
• Signage at key transit locations to guide riders through the transition.
• Buses and trolleys displaying both old and new route names during the changeover.
• Community engagement efforts, including presentations and advisory committee discussions.