SEPTA token of appreciation

By Jen McShane
Collegian Staff
March 19, 2008

In a city recently marred by escalating violence, it may be strange to find a person who loves Philadelphia with her heart and soul. However, I am one of those enigmatic people that just adores the City of Brotherly Shove. I love the sights, the sounds, the foods and even the pigeons that befoul the streets.

Though I must say my greatest love in the city is SEPTA, the great public transportation system of Southeast Pennsylvania. Yes, I love those great hulking busses that block traffic refuse to arrive on time.

Sound crazy? Perhaps, but let me elaborate. As a young child from a struggling family, SEPTA was my means of travel. I was as used to seeing SEPTA busses and trains as La Salle students are used to Union chicken fingers. Therefore, when my family decided to uproot from the greater Philadelphia area to the remote backwardness of Pottstown, I was shocked to see such a lack of SEPTA busses. I remember questioning my father as to how one was supposed to get to the local mall and where, in all the sprawling landscape, were the trains?

Was this simply a result of social conditioning: girl grows up in urban setting and is not used to the difference of the suburbs? Maybe, but returning to my beloved city to attend college has convinced me otherwise. I do not simply adore SEPTA because it brings back memories of the “good old days,” but because it is truly an incredible system connecting Old City to West Philadelphia.

Yes, I will be the first to admit that SEPTA has some problems and issues. The safety of using the system, the consistent lateness of busses, issues with token/ticket machines and rising prices constantly hinder the service. However, when looking over the sheer numbers of customers and how they are served, one cannot help but look upon SEPTA with admiration. Busses run frequently, as do subways, allowing for optimum and speedy travel. Not to mention, riders can reach nearly any part of city just by grabbing the orange or blue lines. Therefore, instead of fighting Philly traffic, customers can reach a destination pretty bleeping fast.

And don’t get me started on the drivers, especially on the busses. How many times have I been late getting to Broad and Olney just to see my bus home pulling out, or my train leaving the station? Often, simply just by waving, I can get the drivers’ attention, delaying their departure long enough for me to board. Or, if it is a late night, a driver may let me off closer to my house rather than at an actual SEPTA stop to ensure I get home safely.

SEPTA is far from perfect, yet its impact on the city is tremendous. Next time the C bus is late, just be patient; Philly traffic is often unpredictable and SEPTA does as best as can be expected in the conditions it exists.

And that’s good enough for me.

mcshanej2@lasalle.edu