SEPTA Travel Update – Philadelphia PA Area

Just a couple of quick SEPTA Update points for residents and those planning a visit to the region:

If you are going to be in the area for just a brief period but plan on depending on public transit, SEPTA has now added three options: the One Day Independence Pass, the Family One Day Independence Pass, and the One Day Convenience Pass.  The primary differences between the Convenience Pass and the Independence Pass are that the Convenience Passes can not be used on the regional Rail Lines and are limited to only 8 trips.  The Independence Pass only places limits on the regional Rail Line travel prior to 9:30 AM.

If you only need easy transportation options while visiting for a short time, these allow more flexibility then the traditional Weekend Passes or weekly TransPass and TrailPass.  For all the options and costs, be sure to check the SEPTA site.

Also be aware that SEPTA is now beginning the projects approved under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  Funding has been approved and awarded for various projects across the region.  The complete project list covers everything from Station Renovations to basic Right of Way and Yard work.  Many of theses projects have been discussed in a recent article from the Delaware County Sunday Times.  A key change to note is the upcoming closure of the Route 101 and Route 102 trolley lines for up to a year as the entire line is upgraded.

SEPTA continues to provide many transportation options throughout the Philadelphia area to serve the needs of the local residents.  With these changes both to fares and the physical system, this service should be in better shape for years to come with improved equipment and service.

As always, if you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me anytime.

Sharon Hill PA 102 Trolley SEPTA Station – End of the Line

Welcome to Sharon Hill PA.

This SEPTA station is located on the Chester Pike just a few blocks east of Oak Lane and west of the Borough Hall.  It does not have any parking dedicated to the station itself but has plenty of room for dropping off or picking up passengers along Chester Pike or in the adjacent commercial parking lots.  The SEPTA 102 Trolley runs out of the 69th Street Terminal, and this could be a good public transportation connecting point through the nearby SEPTA bus stop.  It is also within a long walking distance of the Folcroft R2 Regional Rail station.

There are a wide variety of housing choices in the area from single family homes to twins and row homes.  These residential properties plus many commercial operations are also within easy walking distance of this station.  The video will provide a better feel for the area:

As far as real estate, Sharon Hill has followed a bit different path than much of the county.  For the most part, sales volume has held relatively steady except for 2008.  In 2002 there were 55 sales, then 52 in 2003, 61 in 2004, 60 in 2005, 62 in 2006, 54 in 2007,  then fell to 36 in 2008, and back up to 27 so far this year.

On the other hand prices rose from just $80,000 in 2004 to a peak average price of $137,000 in 2007.  This then fell to $119,000 in 2008 and $112,000 so far this year.  There are also an additional 43 homes currently on the market with an average price of $127,000 and 8 homes under contract with an average price of $89,000 – average sales price will continue down at least in the short term.

Sharon Hill has many public transportation options, great road connections, and is only minutes from the Philadelphia International Airport.  With it’s great location but limited parking, this stop is an ideal station for both the local homes and businesses.

As always, should you need any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me anytime.