PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTA will expand Regional Rail service in the upcoming weeks to include additional late-night train service for weekend passengers on Friday and Saturday evenings.

The measures, which impact select routes, are in response to customer feedback and tremendous ridership growth as commuters seek alternative and more cost-effective means of transportation.

When the service expansion plans become effective in September, new train service will operate as late as 2:47 a.m. providing passengers with additional travel options on the R5 Paoli-Thorndale, R6 Norristown and R7 Trenton Lines.

SEPTA’s new late-night weekend train service was specifically designed to give those passengers without cars, as well as those with cars (who don’t necessarily want to spend additional money on gas or parking) more access to events and attractions throughout the region.

With expanded late-night R5 Paoli-Malvern service to and from Center City Philadelphia, numerous students attending colleges and universities along the Main Line will now have more opportunities to enjoy various dining, cultural and entertainment venues in the region.

Expanded late-night R6 Norristown service will provide passengers traveling to and from popular destinations in Manayunk or Conshohocken with a choice to savor the nightlife even longer.

And R7 Trenton Line service with its expanded hours will offer later connections for visitors traveling to and from New York City as riders have the option of taking the R7 to the Trenton Transit Center and transferring to New Jersey Transit service to New York City and vice versa.

“This is truly an exciting time for us here at SEPTA,” said SEPTA General Manager Joseph Casey. “Riders throughout the region now have more options to enjoy a late night out on the town without having to worry about transportation needs because of the additions we’ve made to service. We’re happy to help riders get to many of the region’s great destinations.”

SEPTA will also provide R5 Paoli-Thorndale riders with a new early morning trip departing Thorndale Station at 4:55 a.m. each weekday and serve passengers at Downingtown, Whitford and Exton Stations en route to Center City Philadelphia.

All SEPTA Regional Rail passengers should pick up new fall schedules when they become available in the upcoming weeks and look for changes to their specific routes.  New schedules will also be available online at www.septa.org.  Passengers may call the SEPTA Customer Service Department at 215-580-7800 for information on all service.