WILMINGTON, Del.- Starting Monday, April 11, Pennsylvania commuters working in Delaware will be able to get home a little faster on the SEPTA Wilmington/Newark Line. As a result of a partnership between Delaware Transit Corporation and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, two late afternoon/early evening trains will provide express service between the four train stations in Delaware to Center City Philadelphia.
"With new employment opportunities coming to Delaware, it's our goal to provide transportation options to enhance the attraction and economic development of our state," said John Sisson, DTC CEO in a release.
According to Delaware officials, this is great news for employers like JP Morgan Chase, which announced the creation of 1,800 jobs in Delaware by 2019.
"With the best job growth in the region, and the continued creation of good jobs like the ones JP Morgan Chase is creating in technology fields, our economy has made significant progress, but we have more work to do," said Delaware Gov. Jack Markell. "Efficient, high-quality transportation options are vital to supporting a strong workforce and fostering more business growth."
According to DTC, The express trains from Wilmington include #2760 departing at 5:15 p.m. and #9294 departing at 6:15 p.m. Commuters riding either train between Wilmington and 30th Street Station will shave off 9 to 13 minutes, saving 45 to 65 minutes per week. For the complete upcoming schedule, visit www.septa.org.
Other recent improvements to the Wilmington/Newark Line include the extension of the last weekday train to and from Wilmington, providing service two hours later, according to DTC. The extended southbound train from Philadelphia arrives in Wilmington at 12:26 a.m., and the final northbound train leaves Wilmington at 12:48 a.m.
DTC officials noted that extending the late night train provides more access to events and entertainment in both Wilmington and Philadelphia. Officials additionally noted that the train provides a way home for those working or studying late nights, as well as an opportunity for those seeking service industry jobs.
The Delaware Transit Corporation, a subsidiary of the Delaware Department of Transportation, operates DART First State. For information on fixed route bus services statewide, call 1-800-652-DART or visit DartFirstState.com. For information on SEPTA, call (215) 580-7800 or visit septa.org.
