SEPTA is Philadelphia’s main transportation organization and they run just about every route that’s located in Philadelphia, some leading out of Philadelphia towards New Jersey. But located on Broad Street and throughout most of Market Street are the main train lines that allow for residents of Philadelphia to commute with ease. The Broad Street lines start at the very southern tip of Philadelphia near the stadiums and run north towards Fern Rock. There are also other commuter lines that run outside of Philadelphia that allow others to commute from the suburbs. These stations directly lead to City Hall and 33rd street station. With these options available, it’s a no-brainer that a commuter would choose to live in Philadelphia given the bountiful options available for transportation and these are only just the train lines.
Another method for transportation and preferred by some are the many bus routes SEPTA has to offer. SEPTA provides plenty of options for bus routes for residents thinking about living in Philadelphia without a car. Bus routes do not operate as frequently as the train lines do and they are subject to more traffic but it’s still a nice backup alternative for those looking to live in Philadelphia without a car. Buses, however, can be a hassle to deal with given their very specific routes but for those looking for a quick trip, it’s very convenient. Trains and buses are the best means of transportation for those looking for easy commutability in Philadelphia.
This one may be more of an expensive option but it is still a great alternative for those who don’t have access to a car while living in the city. Ride-sharing services provide a great means for getting around the city. Not necessarily for those living outside the since there are more available options such as buses and train lines but for those looking to make a quick trip to a restaurant or a ride home from the bar, it’s a great service. The great thing about using a ride-sharing service is that you aren’t limited to where the SEPTA lines are, you can travel wherever you need to go. It also saves you the hassle of having to look for parking which can be especially tedious on a weekend night.
Lastly, we have trolley lines. These lines might not be as convenient and useful as other forms of transportation in the city but they still offer a means of transportation for those looking to connect to other lines or just making a quick trip to their local grocery store. Trolley lines are located all throughout Philadelphia and the prominent ones are located on Girard and Market Street. These are perfect options for those looking to make quick trips without having to travel too far out of their way.
With these ideas in mind, it’s easy to conclude that it is not necessary for one to own a car in order to live in Philadelphia. We are a great commuter city and provide plenty of means for transportation for those just looking to casually get around the city. If you have any other questions about Philly’s transportation or just wanted to chat with us, feel free to contact us here.