SEPTA Train Routes: Exploring Abandoned and Proposed Lines

When taking the train on the Broad Street Line, you may have noticed a slight jog to the right as it leaves Tasker-Morris station. But did you know that there are more SEPTA train routes than what meet the eye? In this article, we'll delve into the world of abandoned and proposed subway lines in Philadelphia.

One such example is the Passyunk Avenue Spur, which connects between Tasker-Morris and Snyder stations. The Locust Street tunnel, after widening, became part of a subway route that opened in 1952 and is now used by the PATCO Lindenwold Line. But what about the parts of the line that never made it to fruition? Let's explore.

Back in 1915, when contracts were let for the system, short stretches of tunnel were excavated in the 1300 blocks of Arch and Locust streets before work was halted due to lack of funds. The original plan had the Broad Street trunk line turning into a loop subway when it reached Center City. This 'delivery loop' would have collected and distributed riders closer to where they wanted to go by running under Arch, Eighth, and Locust streets before returning to Broad Street.

There's even a bonus: the only abandoned subway station on the SEPTA system! The Roosevelt Boulevard subway isn't the only rapid transit line Philadelphia was supposed to have but never got. Over the years since the first city transit plan was released in 1912, several proposed lines were never realized. Some of these bits of unfinished or unbegun lines can be found at various places on and off the current SEPTA system.

In some cases, the city did drop hints of what was to come - or what was supposed to. For example, there are reports of intrepid individuals who have ventured into the abandoned tunnel on the Broad Street Line. It's not even clear where an access panel for the tunnel might be located on the surface.

With this guide, we'll explore more of these Ghosts of Subways That Never Were. While most of them can't be seen today, some are still visible and offer a fascinating glimpse into Philadelphia's transportation history. So next time you're taking the train, keep an eye out for these hidden routes - you might just spot something that will take your breath away!

Septa train routes