A Day on SEPTA's 31 Bus Amid Potential Cuts

The Daily Rhythm of the 31 Bus in Philadelphia

The 31 bus weaves through the streets of Philadelphia, accompanied by a unique soundtrack. There’s the harsh buzz when the fare reader rejects a card, the chirp of a successful transaction, and the ding of a “Stop requested.” Then there are the muffled cell phone conversations and the occasional shout of “Back door!” This is the daily life of the 31 bus, a vital link for many residents in West Philadelphia.

However, this familiar rhythm may soon be disrupted. If SEPTA fails to secure the necessary state funding, 32 bus routes, including the 31, could be eliminated. This potential cut has sparked concern among regular riders who rely on the route for their daily commutes, errands, and medical appointments.

Morning Commuters: A Routine with Uncertainty

Around 7:15 a.m., the 31 bus begins its eastbound journey from 76th Street and City Avenue. Carolyn Kelly, 57, has been riding the 31 for over 36 years. She feels “horrible” at the thought of the route being cut. For her, the bus is a reliable and convenient way to get to work in Center City. “Since I’ve been riding, it’s been trustworthy,” she says.

Maria Mixon, a 21-year-old Drexel University student, also uses the 31 bus for her legal internship. While she owns a car, she prefers the bus due to expensive parking in the city. She checks the SEPTA website regularly for updates on her route. Mixon often boards at 37th and Fairmount, but the bus can be unpredictable. One day in May, it was 25 minutes late, forcing her to walk for about 30 minutes.

Errand Runners: A Lifeline for Daily Tasks

At 9:13 a.m., the westbound 31 bus starts filling up near the Municipal Services Building. Danny McFarland, 65, takes the bus to visit his mother, who lives near the 40th and Aspen stop. He believes cutting the route would be an inconvenience for older residents in the area, many of whom rely on the bus for transportation. “Everybody can’t afford an Uber,” he says.

Lucy Calbert, 22, works at T.J. Maxx in the City Avenue Shopping Center. She wasn’t aware of the potential cut but has noticed delays and detours since she started riding the bus in September. These issues have forced her to reduce her work hours. If the route is eliminated, she says, “I won’t have a way to work.”

Medical Travelers: Essential for Health and Grocery Needs

Jean Clay, 66, uses the 31 bus to pick up medicine and groceries in Overbrook Park. She lives about 13 stops away and finds the bus essential for getting to the CVS and Aldi. “To cut out this route — that’s a long walk from 63rd and Lansdowne all the way up here,” she says. “There’s no other way you can get up here unless you walk.”

Dimaya Dandy, 18, rides the 31 every day to and from a doctor’s office. They didn’t know the route was at risk and found the idea of losing it “very unfortunate.” Adrena Anderson, 65, who provides in-home care, also relies on the bus. She recalls taking the 31 as a child and wonders how people will manage if the route is cut.

Afternoon and Evening Commuters: Challenges and Adjustments

In the afternoon rush, the 31 becomes crowded. At 20th and Market, a substitute bus is sent to fill in gaps, displaying the “SEPTA OFF DUTY” sign due to technical issues. Many riders are familiar with the process, but some are unsure.

A young office worker, who usually takes the trolley, is on the bus for the first time due to maintenance. Later, a man in shorts and a T-shirt boards the bus and shares life lessons with passengers, ending his trip with a passionate “Coming up!”

Late Night Rides: A Struggle for Some

Shay Shay Tyson, 27, waits for the 31 bus after 7 p.m. She takes it almost every day to attend Community College of Philadelphia. She knows the bus can be slow due to traffic, but she’s surprised to learn it might stop running next month. If that happens, she would have to walk seven blocks to catch the Market-Frankford El.

Adean Johnson, 74, is stranded at the bus shelter after missing the 9 p.m. bus. She had planned to catch it after shopping at Aldi, but the bus only runs hourly after 7:30 p.m. She ends up waiting until 9:30 p.m., frustrated by the delay.

The End of the Line

By 10 p.m., the 31 bus is still full, with about 25 people on board. As it reaches the end of the line at Clothespin, the operator stretches his legs before heading back to Overbrook Park. An advisory on SEPTA’s real-time app warns that service on Route 31 will be eliminated on August 24, 2025, if new state funding isn’t approved.