SEPTA Ditches Social Media for Bus and Trolley Delays Starting Next Week
As part of a bid to improve the efficiency of its services, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is abandoning its practice of posting bus and trolley delays on social media. Beginning Monday, riders will no longer receive updates about these disruptions on Twitter or other platforms.
Instead, SEPTA plans to post this information on its website, mobile app, and third-party services like Google Maps and Apple Maps. According to officials, the new approach promises to provide more accurate and timely data for passengers looking for real-time information on potential delays or cancellations.
The decision comes as a result of improvements in SEPTA's mobile app and real-time reporting systems. The agency has seen significant growth in its driver workforce over recent years, with about 100 job openings available each month – significantly fewer than during the pandemic era when staffing shortages were more prevalent.
While social media updates for Regional Rail lines, Broad Street and Market Frankford lines, as well as major disruptions like snowstorms, will continue, bus and trolley information will now be centralized on SEPTA's official channels. This change aims to mitigate the gap between what is posted online and the actual situation on the ground.
SEPTA officials acknowledge that while their mobile app has become more reliable in recent times, some residual issues remain – such as "ghost buses" – which are still occasionally listed as active despite being canceled. To address this, riders are encouraged to report any incidents to SEPTA's Customer Service Office.
As part of a bid to improve the efficiency of its services, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is abandoning its practice of posting bus and trolley delays on social media. Beginning Monday, riders will no longer receive updates about these disruptions on Twitter or other platforms.
Instead, SEPTA plans to post this information on its website, mobile app, and third-party services like Google Maps and Apple Maps. According to officials, the new approach promises to provide more accurate and timely data for passengers looking for real-time information on potential delays or cancellations.
The decision comes as a result of improvements in SEPTA's mobile app and real-time reporting systems. The agency has seen significant growth in its driver workforce over recent years, with about 100 job openings available each month – significantly fewer than during the pandemic era when staffing shortages were more prevalent.
While social media updates for Regional Rail lines, Broad Street and Market Frankford lines, as well as major disruptions like snowstorms, will continue, bus and trolley information will now be centralized on SEPTA's official channels. This change aims to mitigate the gap between what is posted online and the actual situation on the ground.
SEPTA officials acknowledge that while their mobile app has become more reliable in recent times, some residual issues remain – such as "ghost buses" – which are still occasionally listed as active despite being canceled. To address this, riders are encouraged to report any incidents to SEPTA's Customer Service Office.
. and what about people who dont have the app? wont they be left in the dark again? 
but i guess its better than when we had no info at all during the pandemic... thats for sure 
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. Plus, it's not like SEPTA's been completely transparent with their delays in the past... I mean, who hasn't seen a tweet saying "delay due to unexpected weather" only to get to the station and find out it's just a bunch of roadwork 
. Still, I guess this is all about making things more efficient for everyone. Can't complain too much 
.
. And yeah, I've been there too when you're stuck on a delayed bus at 8 am and all you see on your phone is "on time"... annoying 
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. Less chances of "ghost buses" happening, right? 
. By moving the info to their website and app, SEPTA is gonna make it easier for people to find the real deal – you know, when they actually need to plan their commute 
. Plus, less of a noise pollution online... fewer tweets to scroll through 
. It's all about streamlining things and making life easier for riders 
. Now, if only they could get that pesky "ghost bus" thing sorted out 
...
. theyre trying to reduce the number of fake updates and just give accurate info where ppl can easily find it online. and yeah i remember those "ghost buses" 
was so frustrating when that happened! but if its gonna be more reliable on their mobile app, thats a win in my book 
. still curious though how many ppl were actually relying on social media for bus info...
and google maps will help too. might just have to wait and see how this new system plays out 
. And yeah, having that info centralized online is a great idea. It's just... now I have to keep an eye on SEPTA's website & app 
Still, it's all about getting the info right and not spreading panic or misinformation online 
. I mean, who needs up-to-the-minute info when you can wait around for hours for the next update? And yay for "ghost buses" - because nothing says "reliable transportation" like a bus that's already been canceled but still shows up in Google Maps 
.
By centralizing information on SEPTA's official channels, are we just pushing people towards a digital divide? Moreover, shouldn't there be a more holistic approach that considers the needs of all passengers, regardless of their technology proficiency? 
anyway i think its a good idea tho, idk how much of that ghost bus nonsense was really affectin anyone's life 
they gotta get rid of those ghost buses lol 1st thing next week id be on their website and mobile app checkin on the latest updates 
i mean how many times have we seen them post "bus is coming" only to ride for 20 mins and it just disappears 
now they got a better system in place and im all about it 
