The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) has launched improvements to the way it displays bus detour information on its website as part of an array of improvements to its customer-facing real-time information.

Customers using SEPTA.org can now see detours represented visually with a map showing which stops and sections of the route will not be served. The map also shows the route of the detour itself.

SEPTA has also reformatted the text alerts to more clearly convey the detour route, start and end dates and times, and reason for each detour.

Because SEPTA buses operate on small streets with many expected and unexpected closures due to construction, police activity, events, and more, detours are a frequent occurrence.

Improved Readability

Before these changes, riders needed to read through detour alerts that displayed information in text format only using left and right directions.

The improved detours information on SEPTA.org is currently in beta, meaning SEPTA is still working on the feature and enhanced detour information may not be available for all routes or at all times. When enhanced information is not available for a specific detour, the old format for detour information will be shown.

Enhanced detour information is not yet available in the SEPTA app or third-party apps, but will be coming in the future.

SEPTA is among the first transit agencies in the United States to offer its riders bus detour information in a visual format.

“The SEPTA IT group is committed to providing enhanced real-time technology solutions to our riders,” said SEPTA Chief Technology Officer Elisa Cunningham. “By delivering enhanced digital detour information, we are able to provide more accurate, timely and routing options during disruptions. This innovation reflects our commitment to leveraging technology to create smoother, more reliable journeys for riders in the Philadelphia region.”

Input from SEPTA’s riders has played a major role in developing these tools.

“SEPTA has heard customer feedback about how detour information can be difficult to find and understand,” said Lex Powers, SEPTA’s Director of Service Information and Design. “These improvements are part of a larger agency effort to improve the availability and accessibility of detour information on all formats – from the website to signs at bus stops.”

Planning for the Future

The detour information enhancements are part of a broader effort by SEPTA to improve the quality of its service communications, particularly for real-time information and service disruptions.

This is a core goal of SEPTA’s 2021 SEPTA Forward Strategic Plan. Recent improvements include a transit first, mobile-first redesigned SEPTA.org built on real time information, Map-based temporary detour signage for major events, and improved accuracy of bus cancellation info.