Take a Free Trip on Regional Rail When Your Transpass Becomes a Trailpass
A transpass gives you the most freedom on your SEPTA commute, and allows you to use the public transit system in an efficient way. The ability to jump on and off different modes of transit is a major benefit, but your pass also comes with many other perks. In addition to discounts at local businesses, your transpass transforms into a trail pass on the weekend, and gets you free Regional Rail trips on Saturdays and Sundays.
Once you board the train, present your pass when asked for a ticket. If you have made the switch to the SEPTA key card, you can still take advantage of this great perk by presenting your card with an active transpass on it to the conductor. Once your card is scanned, you are good to go. You can also bring your bike on any weekend train, and travel even farther by planning a multimodal trip.
Many fantastic parks and nature centers are easily accessible to Regional Rail, especially if you bring a bike. We put together a list of some of our favorite destinations that you can get to by combining Regional Rail with walking or cycling.
If you don’t have a transpass you can buy a daily Independence Pass for $13 and enjoy the same freedom to ride all modes of transit as many times as you like. Make sure you plan your trip on GoPhillyGo, and take advantage of a weekend trip on Regional Rail.
Briar Bush Nature Center--Roslyn Station--Warminster Line
This park and nature center are nestled between suburban neighborhoods, and very close to the Roslyn station on the Warminster line. You can explore a mile of trails that wind you around the 12.5 acres of forest. Step inside the Dede Long Nature Museum and learn about the plants and animals that live here, and take an up close look at some of the live animals inside the museum. Plan your trip on GoPhillyGo here.
Silver Lake Park is located just outside of Bristol Borough, and a short walk or bike ride from Bristol Station. You can also connect with the route 129 bus which drops you off near the southern tip of the park. Two lakes, Magnolia and Silver, are connected by a narrow waterway that is surrounded by forests and meadows. The southern end of the park has recreational amenities including a paved trail, pavilions, grills and green space for outdoor activities. Plan your trip on GoPhillyGo here.
The 11, 13, 34, and 36 trolleys are the fastest and most frequently running SEPTA routes that will get you close to the Southern end of Cobb’s Creek Park. Bikes are never allowed on trolleys, but you can bring bikes on regional rail, and the Angora Station is only a block away from an entrance to the park and trail. From there you can explore the southern end of the park, and even Bartram’s Garden. If you head north you can also link up with the Market-Frankford El which is also bike friendly on the weekends and non peak hours during the week. Plan your trip on GoPhillyGo here.
Pennypack Trail/Pennypack on the Delaware--Holmesburg Jct-Trenton Line
Take the Trenton line and get off at Holmesburg Jct, and you are right between two great sections of Pennypack Park. The Pennypack trail in Philadelphia begins at Rhawn Street and State Road, and crosses Northeast Philadelphia. You can also connect to the suburban Pennypack Trail which passes through 5.4 miles of Montgomery County. The Pennypack Path Delaware River entrance is also at Rhawn Street and State Road. Follow the path that runs next to Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility down to the river, and you will find a fantastic waterfront park with paved and natural trails, forest, meadows, pavilions and a beautiful gazebo that overlooks the Delaware River. Plan your trip on GoPhillyGo here.
Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education-Miquon Station-Manayunk/Norristown Line
Get off the Manayunk and Norristown line at Miquon Station, and you are just a few feet away from the Schuylkill River Trail. From there you can travel along the river out to the suburbs or back into the city. The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education is a short walk or bike ride from Miquon St. There you can wind through 340 acres of fields, forests, ponds, and streams. The SCEE also hosts an outdoor art program, and a new exhibit titled “Learn a River’s Name” opened to the public on January 25. Plan your trip on GoPhillyGo here.
