In preparation for the highly anticipated parade, SEPTA is providing free rides all day on the Market-Frankford and Broad Street lines. With expectations of one million attendees, the transit agency is making concerted efforts to accommodate the influx of passengers.
SEPTA’s Interim General Manager, Scott A. Sauer, emphasized the need for rider patience as the agency works to transport hundreds of thousands of people efficiently. He noted that while many fans are eager to join the festivities, transit services will be optimized but cannot handle the entire crowd simultaneously.
Beginning at 5 a.m. on parade day, trains will run frequently—approximately every six to eight minutes. However, for safety reasons, a limited number of stations will be accessible to manage crowd movement, with the entire 15th Street complex, including City Hall and several other key stops, closed for the day. This means riders should prepare for additional walking as they travel to and from the event.
The Market-Frankford Line will enable access to Center City from various suburban locations, including connections to trolley lines and bus routes. Meanwhile, passengers can also utilize the Broad Street Line, with connections available from several transportation centers.
The initiative to cover fare costs has been made possible through a sponsorship from comedian Kevin Hart’s tequila brand, Gran Coramino, demonstrating a community-minded partnership to enhance the parade experience.
Overall, SEPTA is striving to facilitate a smooth and efficient transit experience for all parade-goers, encouraging attendees to plan ahead and stay informed about service changes.