Doors Are Closing! Philly's Elevated Trains and Trolleys

Love exploring subway history? Then this tour is for you.

We begin with a short walk west toward 30th Street along Market Street to understand the reason for submerging the original elevated structure and the trolleys back in the '50s.

After riding the underground trolley eastbound around City Hall to 13th Street, we will check out the PCC car in the basement of SEPTA HQ at 1234 Market Street. Continuing on the Market-Frankford Subway/El east, we see the sun again at Spring Garden Station, and view exciting new developments in Northern Liberties from above. Returning west, we end at the enormous, multi-modal 69th Street Terminal filled with subways, trolleys, buses, and interurbans.

Along the way, learn how the El went over (not under) the Schuylkill River, view the region’s loneliest station, and lament the loss of the elevated line that went directly to Penn’s Landing 100 years ago. Jerry gives you the scoop on the trolleys that formerly ran diagonally through the University of Pennsylvania, shows you the oldest subway station in the city, and demystifies the pedestrian concourse that surrounds the basement of City Hall.

Whew! Don’t miss this chance to explore Philly’s transit—you’ll never look at Philly’s trolleys and trains the same!

Meet inside the William H. Gray III 30th Street station at the giant angel statue.

Guide Jerry Silverman was born to give this tour. He was the very first rider ever on PATCO as a teenager and later the chair of the SEPTA Citizen Advisory Committee.

***PLEASE NOTE*** You will need to purchase two SEPTA fares during the tour. NO BATHROOMS EN ROUTE.

Hidden City Members, use your promo codes for discounts on tickets!

Questions, concerns, conundrums? Contact Hidden City project coordinator Alison Zeidman at [email protected].

Host or Publisher Hidden City Philadelphia