September 11, 2016
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) will receive $4 million in federal funding to overhaul a busy transit hub in Philadelphia.
The rehabilitation of the Wissahickon Transit Center was among 61 projects to be selected for funding nationwide, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced Thursday.
The grants were awarded to provide more reliable bus service to the public. The FTA approved projects that will replace, rehabilitate, and purchase equipment and/or construct new facilities.
The Wissahickon Transit Center, located on Ridge Avenue, currently serves the 1, 9, 27, 35, 38, 61, 62, 65, 124, 125, and R bus routes. It also connects to Wissahickon Station, a stop on the SEPTA's Manayunk/Norristown Regional Rail line.
Funding will be diverted through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), which received more than $6.9 million that will also fund two other projects in the state.
“Providing Pennsylvanians with improved transit operations is truly reflective of government that works,” Governor Tom Wolf said. “Mobility is key to life quality and we’re glad to have been chosen to receive funding for these important infrastructure improvements.”
PennDOT announced that River Valley Transit will use $2,040,000 to purchase compressed natural gas replacement buses in Williamsport and Altoona Metro Transit will receive $864,000 to buy buses.
“It’s important to me as secretary that those who need Pennsylvania’s transit system for employment, education and healthcare have the best experience possible,” PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards said. “These grants will help to ensure that our customers’ expectations are met.”
The FTA awarded nearly $211 million across 41 states and two U.S. territories.
