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SEPTA officially commenced operations in August 1963, following its creation by the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
Answer: False
Explanation: While SEPTA was created on August 17, 1963, its official commencement of operations occurred on February 18, 1964.
In 1965, SEPTA consolidated regional transit operations through the absorption of the Passenger Service Improvement Corporation (PSIC) and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Compact (SEPACT).
Answer: True
Explanation: SEPTA's consolidation of regional transit in 1965 was achieved by absorbing the Passenger Service Improvement Corporation (PSIC) and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Compact (SEPACT) on November 1st of that year.
SEPTA assumed direct operation of commuter rail services from Conrail in 1983.
Answer: True
Explanation: SEPTA's direct operation of commuter rail services commenced in 1983, following an agreement with Conrail, not Amtrak.
SEPTA acquired the Philadelphia Transportation Company (PTC) in 1970, a move influenced by Penn Central's bankruptcy filing.
Answer: False
Explanation: SEPTA acquired the Philadelphia Transportation Company (PTC) in September 1968; Penn Central's bankruptcy filing in 1970 was a related event impacting the transit landscape.
In 1970, SEPTA acquired the Philadelphia Suburban Transportation Company, thereby gaining control of the Norristown High Speed Line and numerous suburban bus routes.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 1970 acquisition of the Philadelphia Suburban Transportation Company by SEPTA incorporated the Norristown High Speed Line and several suburban bus routes into its network.
As announced for 2025, SEPTA planned significant fare increases and service reductions, including the elimination of approximately half of its bus routes.
Answer: True
Explanation: SEPTA's 2025 plans included substantial fare hikes and service reductions, such as the elimination of 50 bus routes.
Philadelphia's representatives on the SEPTA Board possess veto power over board decisions, subject to override.
Answer: True
Explanation: While Philadelphia representatives on the SEPTA Board can veto decisions, this power is subject to an override by a 75% majority vote of the entire board.
SEPTA's historically tumultuous operational history is often attributed to its management structure being overseen at the state level.
Answer: False
Explanation: SEPTA's tumultuous history is often attributed to its governance structure being managed at a county level rather than a state level, leading to inconsistent support.
SEPTA has experienced fewer labor strikes than most other major U.S. transit agencies.
Answer: False
Explanation: SEPTA has experienced numerous labor strikes throughout its history, more than many other major U.S. transit agencies.
SEPTA's current Transit Police Department was established in the early 1970s and comprises over 300 officers.
Answer: False
Explanation: SEPTA's current Transit Police Department was established in 1981 and comprises approximately 260 officers.
SEPTA's historically tumultuous operational history is often attributed to its management structure being overseen at the state level.
Answer: False
Explanation: SEPTA's tumultuous history is often attributed to its governance structure being managed at a county level rather than a state level, leading to inconsistent support.
SEPTA has experienced fewer labor strikes than most other major U.S. transit agencies.
Answer: False
Explanation: SEPTA has experienced numerous labor strikes throughout its history, more than many other major U.S. transit agencies.
The lean benches trialed by SEPTA in October 2020 were intended to encourage social distancing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but faced criticism as potentially hostile architecture.
Answer: True
Explanation: SEPTA stated the lean benches were intended to encourage social distancing for COVID-19 prevention, but they faced criticism as potentially hostile architecture designed to deter homeless individuals.
SEPTA is criticized for its strict enforcement of policies prohibiting smoking and vaping on its property.
Answer: False
Explanation: SEPTA is criticized for inadequate enforcement of its policy prohibiting smoking and vaping in its facilities and vehicles.
On what date did SEPTA officially commence its operations?
Answer: February 18, 1964
Explanation: SEPTA officially commenced operations on February 18, 1964.
Which two predecessor agencies were absorbed by SEPTA in 1965 to facilitate the consolidation of regional transit?
Answer: Passenger Service Improvement Corporation (PSIC) and SEPACT
Explanation: The consolidation of regional transit in 1965 involved SEPTA absorbing the Passenger Service Improvement Corporation (PSIC) and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Compact (SEPACT).
From which entity did SEPTA assume direct operation of commuter rail services in 1983?
Answer: Conrail
Explanation: In 1983, SEPTA assumed direct operational control of commuter rail services from Conrail.
What was the stated purpose behind the trial implementation of lean benches by SEPTA in October 2020?
Answer: To encourage social distancing due to COVID-19.
Explanation: The stated purpose of the lean benches trialed in October 2020 was to encourage social distancing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Which of the following is a criticism SEPTA has faced regarding enforcement?
Answer: Inadequate enforcement of smoking and vaping policies.
Explanation: SEPTA is criticized for inadequate enforcement of its policy prohibiting smoking and vaping in its facilities and vehicles.
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) exclusively operates bus and subway services within its designated service area.
Answer: False
Explanation: SEPTA's operational scope encompasses bus, rapid transit, commuter rail, light rail (trolleys), and electric trolleybus services, refuting the claim of exclusivity to bus and subway.
SEPTA's service area is strictly limited to Philadelphia and its immediate surrounding Pennsylvania counties.
Answer: False
Explanation: SEPTA's service area extends beyond Philadelphia and its immediate Pennsylvania counties to include limited services into Delaware and New Jersey.
SEPTA holds the unique distinction among U.S. transit authorities of operating all five major types of terrestrial transit vehicles.
Answer: True
Explanation: SEPTA is distinguished as the sole U.S. transit authority operating regional commuter rail, rapid transit, light rail trolleys, trolleybuses, and motorbuses.
The Roosevelt Boulevard Subway proposal, originating in 1913, has experienced significant construction progress, contrasting with New York City's Second Avenue Subway.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Roosevelt Boulevard Subway proposal, dating from 1913, has not achieved significant construction progress, unlike New York City's Second Avenue Subway.
SEPTA's public services are structured into three primary networks: Metro, Bus Operations, and Regional Rail, excluding Ferry Services.
Answer: True
Explanation: SEPTA's public services are structured into three primary networks: Metro, Bus Operations, and Regional Rail.
SEPTA operates the largest light rail (trolley) system within the United States.
Answer: True
Explanation: SEPTA's operation of the largest light rail (trolley) system is a notable characteristic within the United States.
The SEPTA L (Market-Frankford Line) terminates at the 69th Street Transit Center, and the B (Broad Street Line) operates between NRG Station and Fern Rock Transit Center.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Market-Frankford Line (L) terminates at the 69th Street Transit Center, and the Broad Street Line (B) operates between NRG Station and Fern Rock Transit Center.
SEPTA routes 59, 66, and 75 are exclusively utilized by electric trolleybuses.
Answer: True
Explanation: Routes 59, 66, and 75 are identified as the specific SEPTA routes that operate using electric trolleybuses.
SEPTA's three principal operating divisions are the City Transit Division, the Suburban Division, and the Railroad Division, not the Regional Rail Division.
Answer: True
Explanation: SEPTA's three primary operating divisions are the City Transit Division, the Suburban Division, and the Railroad Division.
The SEPTA Suburban Division's Victory District is primarily responsible for operating services within the suburban areas, not central Philadelphia.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Victory District of the SEPTA Suburban Division operates suburban routes, originating from the 69th Street Transportation Center, and is not responsible for services within central Philadelphia.
SEPTA Access is a paratransit service designed for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Answer: True
Explanation: SEPTA Access, formerly CCT Connect, is a paratransit service offering a Shared-Ride Program for seniors and ADA Paratransit Service for individuals with disabilities.
By the early 1990s, SEPTA operated the largest fleet of Neoplan USA buses across North America.
Answer: True
Explanation: SEPTA's fleet composition in the early 1990s included the largest number of Neoplan USA buses in North America.
SEPTA replaced cloth seats with plastic seats on buses delivered after 2008 as a measure against bed bug infestations.
Answer: True
Explanation: The transition from cloth to plastic seating on SEPTA buses delivered after 2008 was implemented as a measure against bed bug infestations.
The M-4 railcars utilized on the Market-Frankford Line have encountered issues with cracking steel beams, necessitating substantial repairs.
Answer: True
Explanation: Cracking steel beams have been identified as a structural issue affecting the M-4 railcars on the Market-Frankford Line, leading to significant repair efforts.
SEPTA's trolley fleet includes Kawasaki LRVs for subway-surface lines, double-ended Kawasaki vehicles for suburban lines, and rebuilt PCC cars for Route 15.
Answer: True
Explanation: SEPTA's trolley fleet includes Kawasaki LRVs for subway-surface lines, double-ended Kawasaki vehicles for suburban lines, and rebuilt PCC cars for Route 15, rather than modern articulated trolleys.
As of February 2022, SEPTA's percentage of ADA-compliant rail stations ranked second lowest nationally among major U.S. transit systems.
Answer: True
Explanation: SEPTA's ADA compliance rate for rail stations as of February 2022 was notably low, ranking second lowest nationally, surpassing only the New York City Subway.
The PATCO Speedline connects Philadelphia with Camden, New Jersey, and transfers to SEPTA's Market-Frankford Line are facilitated at the 8th Street station.
Answer: True
Explanation: The PATCO Speedline provides service between Philadelphia and Camden, New Jersey, with key transfer points to SEPTA's Market-Frankford Line located at the 8th Street station.
By the early 1990s, SEPTA operated the largest fleet of Neoplan USA buses across North America.
Answer: True
Explanation: By the early 1990s, SEPTA operated 1,092 Neoplan AN440 coaches, making it the largest transit system in North America with a fleet primarily from Neoplan USA.
SEPTA replaced cloth seats with plastic seats on buses delivered after 2008 as a measure against bed bug infestations.
Answer: True
Explanation: The transition from cloth to plastic seating on SEPTA buses delivered after 2008 was implemented as a measure against bed bug infestations.
The M-4 railcars utilized on the Market-Frankford Line have encountered issues with cracking steel beams, necessitating substantial repairs.
Answer: True
Explanation: Cracking steel beams have been identified as a structural issue affecting the M-4 railcars on the Market-Frankford Line, leading to significant repair efforts.
SEPTA's trolley fleet includes Kawasaki LRVs for subway-surface lines, double-ended Kawasaki vehicles for suburban lines, and rebuilt PCC cars for Route 15.
Answer: True
Explanation: SEPTA's trolley fleet includes Kawasaki LRVs for subway-surface lines, double-ended Kawasaki vehicles for suburban lines, and rebuilt PCC cars for Route 15, rather than modern articulated trolleys.
As of February 2022, SEPTA's percentage of ADA-compliant rail stations ranked second lowest nationally among major U.S. transit systems.
Answer: True
Explanation: SEPTA's ADA compliance rate for rail stations as of February 2022 was notably low, ranking second lowest nationally, surpassing only the New York City Subway.
The PATCO Speedline connects Philadelphia with Camden, New Jersey, and transfers to SEPTA's Market-Frankford Line are facilitated at the 8th Street station.
Answer: True
Explanation: The PATCO Speedline provides service between Philadelphia and Camden, New Jersey, with key transfer points to SEPTA's Market-Frankford Line located at the 8th Street station.
The Philadelphia Greyhound Terminal primarily serves Greyhound Lines and Trailways companies, offering routes to major East Coast cities.
Answer: True
Explanation: Major intercity bus operators, including Greyhound Lines and various Trailways system companies, utilize the Philadelphia Greyhound Terminal for routes serving East Coast cities.
SEPTA operates approximately 2,350 revenue vehicles across its various transit modes.
Answer: True
Explanation: SEPTA operates approximately 2,350 revenue vehicles.
The New Flyer XDE40 buses primarily utilize diesel-electric hybrid propulsion.
Answer: True
Explanation: The New Flyer XDE40 buses primarily utilize a diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system.
Which of the following modes of transport is NOT operated by SEPTA?
Answer: Intercity Rail
Explanation: SEPTA's operational portfolio includes bus, rapid transit, commuter rail, light rail, and trolleybuses; it does not operate intercity rail services.
In addition to Philadelphia, which four Pennsylvania counties are served by SEPTA?
Answer: Delaware, Montgomery, Bucks, Chester
Explanation: SEPTA's service area in Pennsylvania extends to Delaware, Montgomery, Bucks, and Chester counties, in addition to Philadelphia.
What unique distinction does SEPTA possess concerning its fleet of terrestrial transit vehicles among U.S. transit authorities?
Answer: It is the only authority operating all five major types of terrestrial transit vehicles.
Explanation: SEPTA is uniquely distinguished as the only U.S. transit authority operating all five major types of terrestrial transit vehicles.
The original proposal for the Roosevelt Boulevard Subway dates back to what year?
Answer: 1913
Explanation: The Roosevelt Boulevard Subway proposal originated in 1913.
Which of the following is not among the three principal networks comprising SEPTA's public transportation services?
Answer: Intercity Bus
Explanation: SEPTA's primary service networks are Metro, Bus Operations, and Regional Rail; Intercity Bus is not included in this categorization.
What specific issue precipitated structural flaws and subsequent capacity reductions in SEPTA's Silverliner V cars in July 2016?
Answer: Cracks in a weight-bearing beam
Explanation: Cracks discovered in a weight-bearing beam led to structural flaws and capacity reductions in SEPTA's Silverliner V cars.
Which SEPTA division is primarily responsible for operating services within the city of Philadelphia?
Answer: City Transit Division
Explanation: The City Transit Division is primarily responsible for operating services within Philadelphia.
What is the SEPTA Access service, which was formerly known as CCT Connect?
Answer: A paratransit service for seniors and people with disabilities
Explanation: SEPTA Access is a paratransit service designed for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
What specific issue has affected the M-4 railcars utilized on the Market-Frankford Line?
Answer: Cracking steel beams
Explanation: Cracking steel beams have been identified as a significant issue affecting the M-4 railcars on the Market-Frankford Line.
Which of the following accurately describes the propulsion system utilized by the New Flyer XDE40 buses?
Answer: Diesel-electric hybrid
Explanation: The New Flyer XDE40 buses primarily utilize a diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system.
Approximately how many revenue vehicles does SEPTA operate across its system?
Answer: Around 2,350
Explanation: SEPTA operates approximately 2,350 revenue vehicles.
In which country does SEPTA operate the largest trolley system?
Answer: United States
Explanation: SEPTA operates the largest trolley system within the United States.
What was the consequence of the structural flaws discovered in SEPTA's Silverliner V cars in July 2016?
Answer: Capacity was reduced by as much as 50% due to repairs.
Explanation: The structural flaws found in SEPTA's Silverliner V cars in July 2016 led to repairs that reduced the system's capacity by as much as 50%.
How does the PATCO Speedline connect with SEPTA services?
Answer: Via transfers to SEPTA's Market-Frankford Line and Broad-Ridge Spur at 8th Street station.
Explanation: The PATCO Speedline connects with SEPTA's Market-Frankford Line and Broad-Ridge Spur at the 8th Street station.
What is the primary propulsion method employed by the New Flyer XDE40 buses operated by SEPTA?
Answer: Diesel-electric hybrid
Explanation: The primary propulsion method for SEPTA's New Flyer XDE40 buses is diesel-electric hybrid.
As of February 2022, SEPTA's ADA compliance rate for subway and commuter rail stations was notably low, ranking second lowest nationally. Which other system ranked lower?
Answer: MTA (New York City)
Explanation: The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) in New York City ranked lower than SEPTA in ADA compliance for rail stations as of February 2022.
What historical issue prompted SEPTA to replace cloth seats with plastic seats on buses delivered after 2008?
Answer: Bed bug infestations
Explanation: Bed bug infestations were the historical issue that led SEPTA to replace cloth seats with plastic seats on buses delivered after 2008.
Transit fares are flat-rate, whereas Regional Rail fares are zone-based according to distance from Center City Philadelphia, with variable weekday/weekend pricing when using a SEPTA Key Card or Quick Trip.
Answer: True
Explanation: Transit fares are flat-rate, whereas Regional Rail fares are zone-based according to distance from Center City Philadelphia, with variable weekday/weekend pricing when using a SEPTA Key Card or Quick Trip.
A weekly TransPass costs $25.50 and a monthly pass costs $96. Usage is valid for all transit rides and on Regional Rail between Zone 1 and Center City stations or the Airport Line, plus all Regional Rail on weekends and holidays.
Answer: True
Explanation: A weekly TransPass costs $25.50 and a monthly pass costs $96. Usage is valid for all transit rides and on Regional Rail between Zone 1 and Center City stations or the Airport Line, plus all Regional Rail on weekends and holidays.
The SEPTA Key card is a smart card for payment on SEPTA transit and Regional Rail, supporting stored passes and a travel wallet. Reloading is available online, at kiosks, sales offices, retailers, and via contactless payments.
Answer: True
Explanation: The SEPTA Key card is a smart card for payment on SEPTA transit and Regional Rail, supporting stored passes and a travel wallet. Reloading is available online, at kiosks, sales offices, retailers, and via contactless payments.
Key Tix, introduced in August 2022, allows passengers to purchase electronic tickets via mobile apps, displaying a scannable QR code for discounted rides and free transfers.
Answer: True
Explanation: Key Tix, introduced in August 2022, allows passengers to purchase electronic tickets via mobile apps, displaying a scannable QR code for discounted rides and free transfers.
Quick Trips are single-ride magnetic strip cards for transit or Regional Rail, purchasable at fare kiosks at transit stations, Center City Regional Rail stations, and the Airport Line.
Answer: True
Explanation: Quick Trips are single-ride magnetic strip cards for transit or Regional Rail, purchasable at fare kiosks at transit stations, Center City Regional Rail stations, and the Airport Line.
SEPTA launched general public contactless payment for transit on September 29, 2023, and became the first U.S. agency to offer it on commuter rail starting April 4, 2025 (excluding specific stations).
Answer: True
Explanation: SEPTA launched general public contactless payment for transit on September 29, 2023, and became the first U.S. agency to offer it on commuter rail starting April 4, 2025 (excluding specific stations).
SEPTA tokens offered discounted fares and had a history dating back to the 1880s. Sales ceased April 30, 2018, and acceptance ended January 1, 2024.
Answer: True
Explanation: SEPTA tokens offered discounted fares and had a history dating back to the 1880s. Sales ceased April 30, 2018, and acceptance ended January 1, 2024.
For what primary purpose is the SEPTA Key card utilized?
Answer: Payment on SEPTA's transit services and Regional Rail
Explanation: The SEPTA Key card is primarily used for payment across SEPTA's transit services and Regional Rail network.
Which payment method was entirely phased out by SEPTA on January 1, 2024?
Answer: SEPTA tokens
Explanation: SEPTA tokens were entirely phased out by January 1, 2024.
What criticism did SEPTA encounter concerning the inclusion of sex identification markers (M/F) on its monthly transit passes between 2009 and 2013?
Answer: They included sex identification markers (M/F).
Explanation: SEPTA faced criticism for including sex identification markers (M/F) on its monthly transit passes, which transgender and gender-queer individuals reported led to discrimination.
Which of the following accurately describes a characteristic of SEPTA's Regional Rail fare structure?
Answer: Fares are based on distance traveled from Center City Philadelphia.
Explanation: SEPTA's Regional Rail fares are structured based on distance traveled from Center City Philadelphia, utilizing fare zones.
What is Key Tix, a feature introduced in August 2022?
Answer: A system for purchasing electronic tickets via mobile apps.
Explanation: Key Tix is a system introduced in August 2022 that enables the purchase and use of electronic tickets via SEPTA's mobile applications.
What was the historical significance of SEPTA tokens before their phase-out?
Answer: They offered discounted fares on transit services.
Explanation: SEPTA tokens offered discounted fares and had a history dating back to the 1880s.
SEPTA is ranked among the top three largest transit systems in the United States based on overall ridership.
Answer: False
Explanation: SEPTA ranks as the fifth-largest transit system in the United States by overall ridership, not within the top three.
Between 2014 and 2019, SEPTA attributed ridership decreases primarily to increased competition and moderate fuel prices.
Answer: True
Explanation: SEPTA's attribution of ridership decreases between 2014 and 2019 included increased competition, shifts in ridership patterns, and moderate fuel prices.
The primary driver for SEPTA's ridership decline between 2019 and 2020 was the widespread adoption of remote work policies.
Answer: False
Explanation: The significant ridership drop between 2019 and 2020 was primarily attributed to COVID-19 related lockdowns, rather than the adoption of remote work policies.
As of June 2024, SEPTA's system had recovered 74% of its pre-COVID ridership, with bus routes exhibiting the highest recovery rate.
Answer: True
Explanation: As of June 2024, SEPTA's system recovery stood at 74% of pre-COVID levels, with bus routes demonstrating the highest recovery rate at 84%.
As of Q2 2025, SEPTA reported an average daily ridership of just under 1 million passengers.
Answer: False
Explanation: As of the second quarter of 2025, SEPTA reported an average of 768,600 daily weekday ridership.
What is SEPTA's national ranking in terms of overall transit system ridership?
Answer: Fifth largest
Explanation: SEPTA ranks as the fifth-largest transit system in the United States based on overall ridership figures.
What was the principal reason cited for the substantial decline in SEPTA ridership between 2019 and 2020?
Answer: Government-implemented lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Explanation: The principal driver for the significant ridership decline from 2019 to 2020 was government-implemented lockdowns necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
As of June 2024, what percentage of SEPTA's pre-COVID ridership levels had been recovered?
Answer: 74%
Explanation: SEPTA's system had recovered 74% of its pre-COVID ridership levels as of June 2024.
As of June 2024, which mode of transport demonstrated the highest ridership recovery rate?
Answer: Bus routes
Explanation: Bus routes exhibited the highest ridership recovery rate as of June 2024.
Which of the following is not identified as a factor contributing to SEPTA's ridership decrease between 2014 and 2019?
Answer: Significant fare increases
Explanation: Significant fare increases are not listed among the factors contributing to SEPTA's ridership decrease between 2014 and 2019.
What is the approximate daily ridership figure for SEPTA, as reported for the second quarter of 2025?
Answer: 768,600
Explanation: SEPTA reported an approximate daily ridership figure of 768,600 for the second quarter of 2025.
SEPTA's proposed rebranding initiative for its rail transit services, introduced in 2021, is named 'SEPTA Metro', not 'SEPTA RailLink'.
Answer: True
Explanation: The rebranding initiative for SEPTA's rail transit services, proposed in 2021, is designated as 'SEPTA Metro', contrary to the name 'SEPTA RailLink'.
Funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 were used by SEPTA for system improvements, including renovations to stations like Spring Garden and Girard Avenue.
Answer: True
Explanation: SEPTA utilized $191 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 for over 30 improvements, including subway station renovations and the construction of the LEED-certified Fox Chase terminal.
The SEPTA Metro rebranding initiative aims to simplify navigation by introducing new line names, colors, and signage for rail services.
Answer: True
Explanation: The SEPTA Metro rebranding initiative aims to simplify the navigation of SEPTA's rail transit services through new line names, colors, and signage.
What is the proposed designation for SEPTA's rail transit services rebranding initiative, launched in September 2021?
Answer: SEPTA Metro
Explanation: The rebranding initiative for SEPTA's rail transit services, proposed in September 2021, is named 'SEPTA Metro'.
What specific improvements did SEPTA undertake utilizing funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009?
Answer: Renovations to subway stations and construction of new terminals.
Explanation: Funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 were utilized by SEPTA for improvements including subway station renovations and the construction of new terminals.
What is the stated purpose of the SEPTA Metro rebranding initiative?
Answer: To simplify navigation of rail transit services.
Explanation: The SEPTA Metro rebranding initiative aims to simplify the navigation of SEPTA's rail transit services.
What is the full, official name of the public transportation authority commonly referred to as SEPTA?
Answer: Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority
Explanation: The official designation for the public transportation authority known as SEPTA is the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority.