Join us for a trip across the SEPTA Rail System to explore the history and modern operations of rail lines radiating out of Philadelphia. This small group, full-day guided tour starts at Philadelphia’s 30^th Street Station after the 8:19AM arrival of Amtrak Regional Train #162.  

We’ll cover four of SEPTA’s Regional Rail lines focusing on the ex-Reading RR and non-Northeast Corridor lines with the possible chance ride the system’s newest equipment—the Silverliner V.  We’ll use the Center City Commuter Rail Tunnel, which provides a crucial link in the system, a number of times throughout the day to move between the former Reading and Pennsylvania RR lines. All three of the city’s major downtown train stations are part of the itinerary.  At several locations along the way, there will be photo opportunities. SEPTA is photo-friendly for railfans, so bring your camera!

We’ll also step off the Regional Rail Division to explore the unique Pennsylvania broad gauge trolley tracks and a high-speed line cutting across the city’s suburbs.  Photograph three types of traction on three different levels from one vantage point on our trip.

The day concludes back at the starting point around 6:00PM.  (We recommend that you do not book your homeward bound train prior to 6:30PM to allow for potential delays during the day.)  So, if you would like to get more accustomed to navigating Philadelphia’s SEPTA rail network, want to learn about their lines steeped history, or just ride trains with fellow railfans, then this trip is for you.

FARES:

DCNRHS Members: $35

Nonmembers: $45

CONDITIONS:                    

1. Tour package includes all necessary transit farecards and tickets for the day, along with handouts and guide services.  Food/beverages are not included, however, there will be locations during the day where it may be purchased.  Public restrooms will also be available only at various brief stopping points during the course of the tour.

2. No refund or credit after October 9, 2012, other than by operator's cancellation of the trip or reselling of the space. Reservations are not transferable and may not be resold without the consent of the operator.

3. Tour participants must be able to stand for times in places without seating, walk briskly keeping pace with the guides and to negotiate steps/stairs without assistance in crowded, urban locations.  The success of the tour will depend in part upon each participant's abilities to keep pace with the guides. Due to the age and nature of the transit facilities visited in Philadelphia, some portions of this tour may not be accessible to the physically challenged.

4. Transportation to Philadelphia’s 30^th Street Station (the origination point of this tour) is not included; participants must provide their own transportation to/from Philadelphia. 

5. The tour schedule, routings and destinations are subject to change without notice due to service disruptions or other causes which may affect the intended itinerary. 

6. The General Conditions for tours, trips, excursions and events as published on the DCNRHS web site (www.dcnrhs.org) apply.  By making a reservation, participants agree to be bound by both the General and these specific Conditions.