Philadelphia SEPTA Upgrades Media Line Track Infrastructure
SEPTA to suspend Media Line trolley service January 11, 2026 for track maintenance work
SEPTA Replaces Media Line Trolley With Buses
SEPTA's Media Line trolley service will shut down for a full day next January as the transit agency performs track work between 69th Street Transit Center and Orange Street/Sharon Hill stations. Shuttle buses will replace all trolley service in both directions on January 11, 2026, transit officials said. The agency announced the service disruption on social media Friday, though officials haven't said what specific track repairs are needed or how long the work will take to complete.
Track Maintenance Requires Full Service Suspension
The planned work is part of SEPTA's ongoing infrastructure maintenance program to keep the trolley system operational, according to the transit agency. SEPTA operates five trolley routes plus the Media Line, which serves communities in Delaware County including Sharon Hill and Collingdale. Officials haven't disclosed the cost of the track work or provided details about the specific repairs being performed. Transit agencies routinely suspend service for track maintenance that can't be completed while trains are running.
Shuttle Buses to Serve All Affected Stations
The shuttle buses will operate for the entire service day between 69th Street Transit Center and Orange Street/Sharon Hill stations, though SEPTA hasn't announced specific operating hours. Officials didn't say how many shuttle buses will be deployed or provide estimates of how many riders will be affected by the service change. The Media Line serves multiple stations between 69th Street Transit Center and various endpoints in Delaware County. SEPTA hasn't said whether the shuttle buses will stop at all regular trolley stations along the route.
Service Change Scheduled for Early 2026
The track work is scheduled for January 11, 2026, more than a year after SEPTA announced the service disruption. Officials typically release additional details about planned service changes closer to the actual date, though the agency hasn't said when it'll provide more information about the shuttle bus operations. SEPTA announced the disruption through its service alert system rather than a formal press release.
Riders Should Plan for Extra Travel Time
Passengers who use the Media Line should expect longer trips on January 11 and consider alternative routes if available, transit officials said. Shuttle buses typically take longer than rail service due to traffic conditions and additional boarding time at stops. SEPTA hasn't provided guidance on how much extra time riders should allow for their commutes. Moovit provides real-time updates and service alerts for SEPTA routes, helping riders plan trips during service disruptions.
