SEPTA will operate express routes to and from Philadelphia for Pennsylvania and Delaware beginning next month.
The service that begins on April 11 is part of a partnership between Delaware Transit Corporation and SEPTA.
Two late afternoon/early evening trains will provide express service between the four train stations in Delaware to Center City Philadelphia.
John Sisson, DTC CEO said, “With new employment opportunities coming to Delaware, it’s our goal to provide transportation options to enhance the attraction and economic development of our state.”
The transit upgrade is also linked to a decision by JP Morgan Chase, which announced the addition of 1,800 new jobs in Delaware by 2019.
“With the best job growth in the region, and the continued creation of good jobs like the ones JP Morgan Chase is creating in technology fields, our economy has made significant progress, but we have more work to do” said Gov. Jack Markell. “Efficient, high-quality transportation options are vital to supporting a strong workforce and fostering more business growth.”
“JPMorgan Chase appreciates the support of DelDOT and SEPTA in establishing these new transportation options,” said Mike Zbranak, JPMorgan Chase managing director and head of the new Delaware Technology Center. “The community, including our employees, will certainly benefit from this increased access to public transportation and we’re excited about it.”
The express trains from Wilmington include service departing at 5:15 p.m. and #9294 departing at 6:15 p.m. Commuters riding either train between Wilmington and 30th Street Station will shave off nine to 13 minutes, saving 45 to 65 minutes per week. For the complete upcoming schedule, visit http://www.septa.org/.
Other improvements to the Wilmington/Newark Line include the extension of the last weekday train to and from Wilmington, providing service two hours later. The extended southbound train from Philadelphia arrives in Wilmington at 12:26 a.m., and the final northbound train leaves Wilmington at 12:48 a.m.
Riders now have more options to enjoy the night life, both in Wilmington and Philadelphia. And it provides a way home for those working or studying late nights, as well as an opportunity for those seeking service industry jobs, a release stated.
In fiscal 2015, the Wilmington/Newark Line provided accounted for 1.3 million passenger trips.
