The key to getting around in Philadelphia lies in an extensive network of buses, subways and trolleys --- a transit system collectively operated by SEPTA.
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority is the region's largest public-transportation provider.
With subway and bus stops conveniently stationed throughout University City and Penn's campus, sightseeing, dining and shopping attractions are easily accessible.
Center City, which offers a number of fine ethnic restaurants as well as street after street of clothing and retail stores, is only minutes away via the Market-Frankford Line. Commonly known as the "El" -- short for elevated train, as the cars ride above ground level at various points -- the Blue Line stretches from 69th Street to Second Street before branching away from Center City. The El can be boarded along Market Street at 30th, 34th and 40th streets.
Shopping lovers can get off at the 11th Street/Market East Station and tour the city's first urban shopping mall, the Gallery. Just a few blocks away, the shops along Walnut and Chestnut streets offer more selections for the fashion-conscious.
Journeying south requires a trip on the Broad Street or Orange Line, the city's major north-south artery. From Penn's campus, it is accessible via the free interchange with the Blue and Green lines at 15th Street Station. From there, riders can visit South Street. A major "must-see" for the artistically and fashionably inclined, the area boasts many original restaurants, shops and bars.
For sports fans, the Orange Line provides service to the sports complex in South Philadelphia, including the Wachovia Center and Citizens Bank Park where the Flyers and Phillies play, respectively.
Besides subway trains, bus routes along Chestnut and Walnut streets also offer transportation to and from Center City.
Center City is easily accessible from campus via SEPTA's various trolley lines. Stops are located right outside of King's Court/English House at 36th and Sansom Streets, and near the Upper Quadrangle at 37th and Spruce.
On campus, the Loop Through University City bus is a free service for University employees and students with a valid PennCard. LUCY buses run weekdays from 6:10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and travel through the area around campus including 30th Street Station.
Those wishing to venture beyond the city should check out the travel opportunities available by visiting 30th Street Station. Amtrak trains, which provide rail service to cities nationwide, also operate from this station.
All SEPTA transit services accept cash, tokens or a TransPass. The fare is $2 in cash, while tokens cost $1.30. Drivers do not carry change.
Tokens may be purchased at several locations on campus, such as the Penn Bookstore, the lower level of Houston Hall and some college houses. Most West Philadelphia SEPTA stations do not sell tokens, however.
For the most part, students can count on SEPTA as a reliable means of navigating around the area. However, SEPTA's financial outlook has not been as optimistic.
Faced with a severe deficit in its fiscal year 2005 budget, the organization had announced a possible increase in fares and service cutbacks last December. These measures were delayed and finally canceled after the state's mass-transit agencies received $412 million that was originally earmarked as federal highway funds.
But even with the extra money, SEPTA does not have a source of long-term funding.
Still, for the time being, students need not worry about losing a valuable means of transportation.
"We have no plans for hiking fares or cutting service at the moment," SEPTA spokesman Richard Maloney said. Even if a sudden service interruption occurred, he stressed that "there would be a lot of prenotification simply because of the news coverage of it."
SEPTA services Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. More information about schedules and route maps can be found at www.septa.org.
