SEPTA unveils renovated trolley station

The station just, south of Market Street, received a facelift with the installation of a new mural and lighting system, cleaned floors and improved signs that come as part of an effort by the municipal transportation authority to increase passenger volume in West Philadelphia. "It may be well over 50 years old but its looks have been brought back to a real nice condition," SEPTA General Manager John Leary said. Leary led today's celebration of the new look and guided Pennsylvania State Rep. James Roebuck, Philadelphia Assistant Deputy Mayor Robert Ravelli, University City District Executive Director Paul Steinke, Drexel University representative Eric Kretschman and Penn Business Services representative Amy Johnson on a tour of the renovated facilities. The dignitaries spoke in support of SEPTA's "Try Transit Week" campaign to get more commuters to use public transportation. "The SEPTA green lines are an underutilized transportation system in University City and SEPTA's efforts to clean up the station to make them more attractive is a step in the right direction to make them more user friendly," Steinke said. SEPTA officials said in a statement that they would provide enhanced security and would enforce conduct and courtesy rules more strictly as part of their strategic plan to enhance SEPTA's image in the eyes of the public. Other recent SEPTA-led projects in University City include the free LUCY shuttle service, which buses passengers to various area institutions from 30th Street Station, and the PennPass, a discounted four-month transportation pass for University students. "I think everybody thought that this kind of activity was a very important investment to be making in the community," Leary said. Part of the day's planned events included SEPTA representatives giving out chocolate tokens, pass holders, tote bags and other surprises to trolley users at the 36th Street station in appreciation of their patronage.