Update on SEPTA Routes

from the inbox:

As a result of the loss of county funding, SEPTA held public hearings in mid-October to consider discontinuing weekday evening and selected Saturday and Sunday trips on Routes 94 and 132. Route 94 connects Montgomery Mall and Chestnut Hill, serving Montgomery County Community College and Ambler. Route 132 connects Telford and Montgomery Mall, serving Lansdale.

Based on the feedback received during the public hearings, SEPTA re-evaluated the proposal, with the goal of preserving the most critical service in a cost-efficient manner. The new service plan retains trips that serve the needs of evening shift workers and Community College students. The plan has been developed in conjunction with Montgomery County officials.

While schedule details are being finalized, with changes to be effective February 17, 2013, the plan is as follows:
Route 94
 The last nighttime trips from Montgomery Mall and Montgomery County Community College will be retained at or near the current time, allowing workers who close stores at the mall or who have evening classes to retain service.
 Some evening trip times are being modified to allow for more efficient use of SEPTA buses and financial resources.
 Sunday service will be scaled to reflect retail opening and closing times, with limited midday service.
Route 132
 The last nighttime trips from Montgomery Mall will be retained at the current time, allowing workers who close stores at the mall to retain service.
 Saturday morning trips, while adjusted, will still provide access to retail businesses prior to store opening times.
 Some evening trip times are being modified to allow for more efficient use of SEPTA buses and financial resources. The last nighttime trip from Telford will operate earlier than currently scheduled.
 Sunday service will be scaled to reflect retail opening and closing times, with limited midday service.

With this plan, many passengers should see minimal or no change to their service. The greatest change will occur on Sundays, where service frequencies will be limited at times of lowest ridership.

SEPTA appreciates the response of riders, businesses, institutions and local governments in this process. Those comments were strongly considered in the development of the new Route 94 and 132 service plan.

Current service remains in effect until February 17, 2013. The new Route 94 and 132 schedules will be available at www.septa.org on or about February 3, 2013. Look for an announcement in the News and Events section of the homepage.